Staff

 

Danny Macdonald

Chief of Staff

Danny is a lifelong Yukoner who resides in Whitehorse. Danny has previously served as cabinet staff under Premiers Dennis Fentie and Darrell Pasloski. An active member in the Yukon sports community, he’s involved with various soccer and hockey leagues, as well as a long-time participant in the Yukon running community. He’s also previously worked with What’s Up Yukon, the Arctic Winter Games 2020 Host Society, and the Yukon Real Estate Association.

Photo: Michael Schmidt

 

 

Robin Balmforth

Constituency and Community Affairs Advisor

Robin was born and raised in the Yukon and is raising her two young daughters to have a love for the north and the people in it.  She moved to Calgary in 2002 for school and returned home after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Calgary.  Robin began working with the Yukon Party Cabinet and Caucus office in January 2011, first as an Administrative Assistant, then as an Executive Assistant for a number of ministers in a wide range of portfolios.  Robin has worked with the Yukon Party Official Opposition since December 2016, handling constituency affairs and various duties.

Photo: Michael Schmidt

Tim Kucharuk

Communications Advisor and Press Secretary

Tim joined the Yukon Party Caucus office in October 2020 after 21 years as a radio news reporter. Originally from Kamloops, BC, Tim’s radio career took him to places such as Wainwright and Hinton, Alberta, and Penticton, BC. He moved with his wife Penny to Whitehorse in 2009 to work at CKRW Radio, and they welcomed a daughter in 2013. Starting as the afternoon news reporter, he was promoted to Senior Reporter and morning news anchor in 2014. After covering all things Yukon for 11 years, Tim jumped at the chance to work behind the scenes in the Legislative Assembly and act as the liaison between Caucus and the media.

Photo: Michael Schmidt

 

 Kelsey Smeeton

Stakeholder Relations Advisor

Kelsey Smeeton is a lifelong Yukoner who is proud to have had the opportunity to grow up with a love for the outdoors and a love for the territory. Kelsey moved to Kelowna B.C. in 2013 to complete a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus. She then returned home to the north and began working in the Yukon Party Cabinet Office. Kelsey took a brief break from territorial politics and worked for the Yukon Hospital Corporation from 2020 to 2023. She has now returned to the Yukon Party Official Opposition in February of 2023 in a Stakeholder Relations Advisor position. She looks forward to the new role and engaging with Yukoners.

Photo: Michael Schmidt