A significant turnover is expected in the Yukon Legislative Assembly at the beginning of the upcoming session. Following the finalization of this week’s territorial election results by Elections Yukon, a Yukon Party majority government has been confirmed, prompting a recount in one constituency.
Premier-designate Currie Dixon mentioned earlier in the week that the transition to the cabinet office is anticipated to take a few weeks. The newly elected MLAs comprise more than half of the 21 individuals elected, with twelve being women or non-binary and five representing the Yukon First Nations community.
The Yukon Party will have its largest-ever government caucus with 14 members due in part to the addition of two new seats to the legislative assembly as a result of population growth. Nearly half of the Yukon Party seats are retained by returning MLAs, including prominent figures like Currie Dixon, Scott Kent, and Wade Istchenko.
The Official Opposition will be formed by 7 MLAs, with the Yukon NDP securing six seats. Notable newcomers include Brent McDonald, Carmen Gustafson, Justin Ziegler, and Linda Moen. The Yukon Liberal Party, which held government status for the past nine years, has been reduced to a single seat pending a recount in the Vuntut Gwitchin constituency.
Debra-Leigh Reti, a Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation councillor, currently occupies the contested seat, having narrowly defeated the incumbent NDP candidate. Chief Electoral Officer Max Harvey mentioned that recounts are conducted to rectify any potential errors that may have occurred during the initial count.
The recount for the Vuntut Gwitchin constituency is expected to be scheduled for the following week, after which the newly elected 21 MLAs will be sworn into office. The exact date for the commencement of the new legislative assembly session is yet to be determined.