Contact:
[email protected]
(867) 667-5800

Wade Istchenko was first elected as the MLA for Kluane in 2011, and re-elected again in 2016, 2021, and 2025. He was appointed as Minister of Environment on November 22, 2025. Previously he was appointed Minister of Highways and Public Works, and also served as Minister of Environment after his election in 2011. In opposition, he was critic for Environment, Tourism, and Economic Recovery, Yukon Liquor Corporation and Yukon Lotteries Commissions, and Rural Yukon.

Politics is embedded into his family as his grandmother Hilda Watson, was the MLA for Kluane and the first women to lead a political party in Canada. Previous to politics, Istchenko was an outdoor adventure business owner.

Istchenko was born in Whitehorse and raised in Haines Junction. Being a born and raised Yukoner, he was adopted into a First Nations family many years ago and has great respect for First Nations and their culture. He was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and served with NATO forces in Germany for three years. He holds 38 years of service in the military to date, as he currently serves as a Canadian Ranger Sergeant in Haines Junction.

Istchenko and his wife have two children, a son and a daughter.

An active community participant, Istchenko has supported the Junior Canadian Rangers youth program, coached minor hockey, was one of the founders of Haines Junction Snowmobile Club, part of St. Elias Lions Club, St. Elias Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Alsek Renewable Resources Council, appointed to Kluane Park Management Board and was instrumental in the development of the Alsek-Tatshenshini National Park.

His interests and hobbies are fishing, hunting and hockey.