Quick Facts
Biography
Stacey Hassard is a Canadian politician, who was elected to in the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the 2011 election. He represents the electoral district of Pelly-Nisutlin as a member of the Yukon Party caucus.
He is currently the interim leader of the Yukon's Official Opposition and the interim leader of the Yukon Party.
33rd Legislative Assembly
Hassard entered territorial politics in 2011, defeated incumbent Yukon Party Cabinet mininster Marian Horne for the party's nomination. He was elected later that year. Hassard was appointed to Cabinet on January 16, 2015, and served as Minister of Economic Development, Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, and Minister responsible for the Yukon Liquor Corporation (including the Yukon Lottery Commission) during the 33rd Legislative Assembly.
During his time as minister, Hassard received criticism for his handling of issues facing the community of Ross River, which is within his riding. Ross River at the time was plagued by semi-feral dogs attacking residents, and in one instance, killing a resident. Community leaders criticized Hassard for not visiting the community and not doing enough in the aftermath of the attacks.
Hassard was also criticized for his decision to award a sole-sourced $1.3-million contract to Whitehorse-based Total North Communications to upgrade internet speeds in Teslin, Carmacks, and Watson Lake. The Yukon Government's procurement support centre had analyzed the contract and recommended that it be put out for competition, but Hassard ignored the recommendation and awarded the contract directly to Total North.
As Minister responsible for the Yukon Liquor Corporation, Hassard also supported opening a liquor store in his home community of Teslin, citing the economic benefits it would bring the community. The proposal drew protest from the Village of Teslin and Teslin Tlingit Council, which presented a petition against the proposal and called for public consultations on the issue. In total, the petition, tabled by New Democrat Kate White on behalf of Teslin, contained 186 names; there are approximately 450 residents of Teslin. Ultimately, no liquor store opened in Teslin before the legislative assembly was dissolved in October 2016.
34th Legislative Assembly
Hassard was re-elected comfortably on November 7, 2016, in the riding of Pelly-Nisutlin, thanks to strong support in Teslin and Faro (though not Ross River). He defeated both Yukon Green Party leader Frank de Jong and former Teslin Tlingit Chief Carl Sidney.
However, the Yukon Party government was defeated in that same election and its leader, Darrell Pasloski, lost his own seat. Hassard was elected as interim leader of the Yukon Party and interim Leader of the Official Opposition on November 17, 2016. In the 34th Legislative Assembly, he is currently the opposition for the Department of Highways and Public Works, the Executive Council Office (other than the Aboriginal relations branch), the French Language Services Directorate, and the Public Service Commission.
Personal life
Hassard has worked in the construction industry and owned a local store and motel in Teslin. He's a former councillor and deputy mayor of the Village of Teslin.
He is the brother of Dean Hassard, who previously represented the same district in the Yukon Legislative Assembly from 2002 to 2006.
Hassard lives in Teslin, Yukon.
Electoral record
2016 general election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon Party | Stacey Hassard | 280 | 42.3% | -7.1% | |
| NDP | Ken Hodgins | 207 | 31.2% | -0.8% | |
| Liberal | Carl Sidney | 152 | 23.0% | +9.9% | |
| Green | Frank de Jong | 22 | 3.3% | +3.3% | |
| Total | 661 | 100.0% | – | ||
2011 general election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ± | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon Party | Stacey Hassard | 275 | 49.4% | +7.3% | |
| NDP | Carol Geddes | 178 | 32.0% | +6.5% | |
| Liberal | Carl Sidney | 73 | 13.1% | -12.3% | |
| Independent | Elvis Presley | 31 | 5.5% | -1.5% | |
| Total | 557 | 100.0% | – | ||