Assistant professor with the School of Business and Leadership at Yukon University, Dr. McPhee-Knowles brings extensive leadership, research and policy experience to this role.

The Chair oversees the administration of the YCAER and is not a voting member. Their duties include supervising the selection of members, selecting members of the oversight committee, chairing meetings of the YCAER, overseeing team members and preparing the YCAER final report.

A graduate of Yukon University’s groundbreaking Bachelor of Business Administration and current master’s student, Christy brings a wealth of effective research, people and project management skills to her role.

The Deputy Chair is not a voting member of the YCAER. Their duties include outreach to YCAER members, overseeing the facilitation team, supporting the Chair in their duties, and chairing YCAER meetings when necessary.

Jonathan Rose is an author, professor and head of the Political Science department at Queens’ University. He has provided advice to governments and the Supreme Court of Canada on electoral reform and lectures around the world on Citizens’ Assemblies.

In 2006, he was Academic Director of the Ontario Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. Rose has since led the Prince Edward County Citizens’ Assembly and co-led the Lethbridge Citizens’ Assembly. He is co-author of the books, When Citizens Decide: Lessons from Citizens Assemblies, and Deliberative Mini-Publics: Core Design Features.

Present for the Second and Third Gatherings, their duties are to ensure members are provided with a thorough understanding of different voting systems.

 With 30+ years of engaging storytelling and communications experience, Michael covers copywriting, media liaison, and getting the word out about YCAER activities. 

Heather handles bookings and logistics for YCAER events.

A Dene storyteller and artist, Ernie is from Tulita, NWT—where the two rivers meet—and spent 10 years in residential school in Inuvik. Trained by Father Jean-Marie Mouchet, Ernie is a former member of Canada’s cross country ski team and competed in the 1976 winter Olympics. 

As Elder-in-residence, Ernie is on hand to provide emotional support to members and leads the opening and closing sharing circles at each Assembly meeting.