In the lead-up to the 2025 Yukon election, all three political parties are under scrutiny for their past performances, a departure from the usual targeting of the incumbent party. Despite the Liberals holding power since the previous election, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has been vocal in criticizing the Yukon Party’s historical governance, even though they have not been in power since 2016.
The NDP, led by Kate White, has consistently highlighted the Yukon Party’s actions during their time in office, including their fundraising methods and connections to the federal Conservative Party. White has portrayed the former Yukon Party members as contentious figures who clashed with various groups, including healthcare workers and First Nations.
Former NDP leader Liz Hanson, speaking on CBC’s Yukon Morning, cited the Yukon Party’s controversial handling of the Peel watershed issue as an example of their governance missteps. She defended the focus on the party’s track record, emphasizing that it serves to remind voters of past events rather than being an attack campaign.
Conversely, the Yukon Party has targeted what they refer to as the “Liberal-NDP” government, despite the NDP only supporting the Liberal government through confidence and supply agreements without holding any cabinet positions. The party frequently disagreed with the Liberals on policy directions, leading to collaborations with the Yukon Party on certain issues.
Critics, including former Progressive Conservative MLA Dan Lang, argue that the distinctions between parties are negligible when it comes to accountability for pressing issues like healthcare and rising crime rates. Lang criticized the perceived leniency on crime by the current government and the NDP.
Meanwhile, the incumbent Liberals have largely avoided significant backlash during the campaign, despite facing scrutiny for their governance and candidate shortages. Former Liberal leader Arthur Mitchell defended his party’s management, particularly highlighting substantial investments in the healthcare system.
Mitchell expressed confidence in the upcoming election results, dismissing concerns about the Liberals’ performance. He emphasized the unpredictability of elections and the importance of waiting for the actual voting day to determine outcomes.