In a historic moment for Yukon, the Legislative Assembly has elected 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, collectively constituting 57% of the assembly.
Lindsay Brumwell, the interim executive director of Equal Voice, a charity dedicated to enhancing gender representation in Canadian politics, expressed pleasant surprise at this outcome. She commended Yukon for leading the way in Canada and attributed the milestone to the local communities’ emphasis on selecting the best community leaders, irrespective of gender.
Brumwell highlighted similar progress in other regions, citing British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, where women achieved significant representation in recent elections. Notably, the Yukon election also witnessed a surge in female candidates, with 27 women and one gender-diverse individual contesting for electoral seats, marking a decade-high participation rate.
Acknowledging the importance of having more women in office, Brumwell emphasized that their presence at decision-making tables is crucial for crafting inclusive policies that benefit all individuals. Reflecting on the election results, she underscored the support and encouragement extended to women and gender-diverse candidates by the Yukon community.
Yvonne Clarke, re-elected as a Yukon Party MLA for Whistle Bend North, expressed pride in being part of the territory’s first female-majority legislature. Clarke, who has a history of advocating for gender equality, highlighted the need for increased funding for NGOs under the Yukon Women’s Coalition, emphasizing the importance of supporting women’s health care and combating poverty and violence against women.
Linda Moen, the newly elected NDP MLA for Mountainview, echoed the call for enhanced funding for women-focused organizations, citing the ongoing financial challenges faced by advocacy groups like the Yukon Women’s Coalition. Moen emphasized the critical role of community support in empowering women to pursue political leadership roles.
Despite the progress made, Brumwell noted that women still face self-doubt regarding their qualifications for elected positions, necessitating continued support and encouragement from leaders and communities. She emphasized the collective effort required to champion women’s participation in politics and lauded the Yukon electorate for their role in promoting diversity in governance.
Looking ahead, Clarke and Moen emphasized the importance of mentorship and community support in encouraging more women to engage in public service. Clarke urged leaders to actively engage with potential female candidates, stressing the significance of fostering a supportive environment for women considering political roles.
Moen highlighted the significance of her Indigenous identity in inspiring other Indigenous women to pursue leadership roles, citing the matriarchal societal structure within First Nations communities. She underscored the legacy of Indigenous women leaders and the importance of intergenerational support in nurturing future leaders.
The election results not only signify a milestone for gender representation but also serve as a beacon of empowerment for women in Yukon and beyond, inspiring a new generation of leaders to envision themselves in positions of influence and impact.