John Edzerza
MLA - McIntyre-Takhini
New Democratic Party
John B. Edzerza was elected as the MLA for McIntyre-Takhini on November 4, 2002 and re-elected in the general election of October 10, 2006.
Mr. Edzerza is NDP caucus critic for the Department of Tourism and Culture, and the Yukon Directorate. He will share critic responsibilities for the Department of Environment and the Department of Health and Social Services with Mr. Hardy. Mr. Edzerza is also caucus whip and caucus chair.
Mr. Edzerza was born August 14, 1948 in Lower Post, British Columbia; was raised in Atlin, BC and moved to the Yukon in 1963 to attend high school. He worked as a journeyman welder throughout the Yukon for 15 years, and in the healing and counselling profession with First Nations for 20 years.
He has extensive training in, and experience working with, agencies and service providers including justice systems, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Social Services, Youth Probations, and Child Abuse Treatment Services. He went back to college at age 40 and has since completed courses in psychology, criminology, sociology, northern studies, women's studies, social work and accounting.
He has served as a member of the following boards and committees: the Elijah Smith School Council, the Yukon Advisory Committee on Indian Child Welfare, the Board of Directors for Northern Network of Services for Youth at Risk, the Kwanlin Dun Justice Committee, Kwanlin Dun Hiring Committee, and as Main Table Negotiator for the Separation of the Kwanlin Dun and Ta'an First Nations.
Mr. Edzerza was elected and served as a member of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief and Council under four administrations.
Mr. Edzerza is married to Jennifer and between the two have four children and eight grandchildren.
