For the first time in Yukon’s history, the Legislative Assembly has more women than men elected, with a total of 11 women and one non-binary MLA, comprising 57 percent of the legislature. Lindsay Brumwell, from Equal Voice, a charity focused on enhancing gender representation in Canadian politics, expressed delight at this outcome, calling it a significant achievement and praising Yukon for setting an example in Canada.
Brumwell highlighted the significance of northern communities valuing local leadership regardless of gender, emphasizing the importance of selecting the best community leaders based on merit and support. Similar progress has been seen in other regions like British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, where women have achieved notable representation in recent elections.
During the election campaign in Yukon, a record number of women participated, with 27 women and one gender diverse individual running for electoral districts, representing 46 percent of the total candidates. Brumwell noted that having more women in office can result in the development of stronger policies that reflect the needs of all individuals.
Re-elected Yukon Party MLA Yvonne Clarke, now representing the new riding of Whistle Bend North, expressed pride in being part of the territory’s first female-majority legislature. She emphasized the importance of advancing gender equality and advocated for increased funding for NGOs under the Yukon Women’s Coalition, which focuses on improving women’s health care, addressing poverty, and combating violence against women.
Linda Moen, newly elected NDP MLA for Mountainview, echoed the call for more funding for these advocacy groups, emphasizing the challenges they face in securing adequate resources. She highlighted the need for continued support to sustain the coalition’s vital work.
Despite the progress made, Brumwell noted that women still face barriers when considering running for elected positions due to self-perceived lack of qualifications. She emphasized the importance of support and encouragement from leaders and communities to empower women to pursue political roles. Brumwell credited the Yukon’s election results to the collective effort of individuals championing women and praised the candidates for their courage in stepping forward.
Clarke and Moen both underscored the need for ongoing support and encouragement for women interested in running for public office. Clarke emphasized the importance of engaging with potential female candidates persistently and patiently, encouraging them to consider the positive impact they can make through political involvement. Moen highlighted the support she received from her community and party during her campaign, emphasizing the value of encouragement in fostering diverse representation in government.
Moen highlighted the significance of the election results in empowering Indigenous women, emphasizing their historical leadership roles within their communities. She shared a touching moment from election night, reflecting on the support she received from fellow Indigenous women, which underscored the importance of Indigenous women supporting each other in leadership roles. Moen expressed hope that their success will inspire future generations to pursue leadership opportunities and contribute to positive change.
