In a historic moment for the Yukon, the territory’s Legislative Assembly now boasts more women than men for the first time. Elections Yukon reported that out of the newly elected members, 11 are women and one identifies as non-binary, comprising 57% of the legislature. Lindsay Brumwell, the interim executive director of Equal Voice, a charity focused on enhancing gender representation in Canadian politics, expressed delight at the outcome, describing it as a pleasant surprise.
Brumwell commended the Yukon for leading the way in Canada and attributed the milestone to the high value northern communities place on local leadership regardless of gender. She noted a similar trend in other regions, such as British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, where women achieved significant representation in recent elections. During the Yukon campaign, a record number of women participated, with 27 women and one gender diverse individual running for electoral positions, amounting to 46% of the total candidates.
The increased presence of women in office, according to Brumwell, can lead to the development of more robust policies that cater to diverse perspectives. Yvonne Clarke, a re-elected MLA for the Yukon Party, emphasized her pride in being part of the territory’s first female-majority legislature. Clarke, who has actively supported gender equality initiatives, advocated for additional funding for NGOs under the Yukon Women’s Coalition, aiming to enhance women’s healthcare and address issues like poverty and violence against women.
Linda Moen, the newly elected NDP MLA for Mountainview, echoed the call for increased funding for such organizations, citing the ongoing struggles they face in securing adequate resources. Despite progress, Brumwell highlighted that women still face self-doubt about their qualifications for elected positions. She stressed the importance of ongoing support and encouragement from leaders and communities to motivate women to pursue political roles.
Clarke, appreciative of the support she received, urged leaders to engage with potential female candidates persistently and patiently. She emphasized the need for MLAs to share their experiences with high school students to inspire future leaders. Moen, reflecting on her campaign journey, highlighted the significant support she received from her community and party, underscoring the crucial role of encouragement in political endeavors.
Moreover, Moen emphasized the broader impact of the election results on Indigenous women, noting that their representation sends a powerful message about their rights to occupy such spaces. She highlighted the historical leadership roles Indigenous women have held within their communities, emphasizing the matriarchal structure that often positions women as community pillars. Moen shared a poignant moment from election night, recounting a story that symbolized the enduring support Indigenous women offer each other in leadership pursuits, aiming to inspire the next generation to see leadership as an attainable goal.