Statement from Currie Dixon on the Passing of Ione Christensen

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of a Yukon political trailblazer – Ione Christensen.

“She had true Yukon roots. Her father was a constable with the North-West Mounted Police, and her mother was born in Dawson City. Her younger years were spent at Fort Selkirk, where her father was stationed.

“Christensen achieved a lot of firsts in our territory. She was the first female justice of the peace and judge of the juvenile court in Whitehorse. She was the first female mayor of Whitehorse and the first female commissioner. Christensen served Yukoners as our second appointed senator from 1999 to 2006.

“For her outstanding service to the Yukon, she was made a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Yukon.

“On behalf of the Yukon Party, I extend my condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed.”

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