Honourable senators, it’s an honour and a privilege for me to serve in this chamber. In this, my first speech as a senator, I’d like to pay tribute to a distinguished Yukoner.

This is a tribute and a celebration of an event that is unique and special to the circumpolar world community and one close to the heart of Ken McKinnon — the Arctic Winter Games.

John Kenneth McKinnon was the youngest member elected to the Yukon Territorial Council. He served from 1961 to 1964 and from 1967 to 1978.

My memory of Ken, and I stand to be corrected, was of a young man raising eyebrows, defying convention and wearing his beautiful beaded moccasins into the legislature rather than the polished black brogues one might have expected.

Years later, working with Ken in the commissioner’s office, I noted that he was most often in his favourite beaded moccasins rather than the more formal attire. Ken served as commissioner or lieutenant-governor from 1986 to 1995. His public service continued as Chancellor of Yukon College from 2000 to 2004.

Ken McKinnon, the athlete, was also the first President of the Arctic Winter Games. At the opening ceremony of the Arctic Winter Games, Ken said, “The first games are only the beginning of a great concept.” And what a concept it is.

The Arctic Winter Games is a circumpolar event involving some 2,000 athletes, cultural contingents, mission staff, northerners from Alaska, northern Alberta, Greenland, the Northwest Territories, as well as teams from Nunavik, Quebec, Nunavut, Yamal, Russia, the Sami people and, of course, Yukon.

The games are a truly unique cultural, linguistic, heritage and athletic series of events that cultivate high-level competition, sportsmanship and friendship for young people from throughout the North.

Sadly, Ken passed away as we celebrated one year out to the Government of Yukon and the City of Whitehorse hosting the 2020 Arctic Winter Games.

Honourable senators, as we celebrate the games from March 15 to 21, 2020, the fiftieth anniversary of the Arctic Winter Games, we also celebrate the legacy of northerners such as Ken McKinnon. Ken’s wit and wisdom, his athleticism and the very art he practised of being a good neighbour to people throughout the region will be remembered and celebrated.

Judy, Ken’s life partner, and their children, Lexie and Craig, their family and friends throughout the North, you have our heartfelt deepest sympathy and my word that Ken’s commitment to the people of the Yukon of the North will be remembered.