by on Find a detailed profile of Dennis Fentie, Premier and Leader of the Yukon Party. Fentie also represents the riding of Watson Lake.
Dennis Fentie is the seventh Premier of the Yukon and leader of the Yukon Party. He represents the riding of Watson Lake.
Fentie became premier in 2002. In addition to being premier, Fentie serves as the Minister responsible for Executive Council Office, including devolution, land claims and youth directorate. He is also Minister of Finance.
As premier, Fentie’s priorities have been to improve the economy and also strengthen relationships with First Nations and neighbouring territories. He has been instrumental in negotiations with the premiers of the North West Territories and Nunavut in developing a framework for approaching northern issues and devolving power from the national to the provincial/territorial levels.
He first entered territorial politics in 1996 when he was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the riding of Watson Lake. Initially, Fentie was a member of the Yukon New Democratic Party, however, he crossed the floor in 2002 to join the Yukon Party. He went on to become party leader and led the party to victory in the 2002 territorial election.
Fentie was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on November 8, 1950. At age 12, he moved with his family to Watson Lake (Yukon Territory) in 1962. Currently, he lives in Watson Lake with his wife Lorraine. He owns and manages Francis River Construction Ltd. He is the former director of the Watson Lake Chamber of Commerce.