Currie Dixon’s Yukon Party secured a majority victory in the recent territorial election, ending the party’s nine-year stint in opposition. Dixon expressed his excitement at the win, emphasizing the Yukoners’ choice for change as the party clinched 14 out of 21 ridings.
The election marked the end of the Liberal government’s reign in the Yukon, with the party only leading in the Vuntut Gwichin riding. Kate White’s NDP saw success, securing six seats and transitioning to the Official Opposition.
Dixon, set to become the territory’s 12th premier and its first native-born leader, highlighted key issues such as healthcare, housing, safety, and the economy in his victory speech, promising a new direction. He emphasized the need to revitalize downtown Whitehorse and boost the territory’s economic prospects by supporting private sector growth.
White expressed optimism about her party’s progress, aiming to hold the new government accountable for addressing challenges like affordability, healthcare access, and education. Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Mike Pemberton reflected on the defeat, pledging to regroup, listen, and rebuild for the future.
In a significant development, Yukoners overwhelmingly supported electoral reform, favoring a ranked ballot system over the current first-past-the-post approach. The results, however, are non-binding, with Dixon signaling reluctance to change the voting system regardless of the plebiscite outcome.
Former Yukon Party cabinet ministers, including Brad Cathers, Scott Kent, and Wade Istchenko, retained their seats, along with several new MLAs joining the party. Notably, the Yukon Party secured previously held Liberal seats, solidifying its position in the legislature.
The election witnessed a decline in voter turnout compared to previous years, with just 53% of registered electors casting their ballots. Despite the lower participation, the election marked a significant political shift in the Yukon.