The Yukon government plans to take the next steps to increase the term of office for municipal councils based on feedback from a recent public engagement as well as a request from the Association of Yukon Communities.
From September 1 to 28, Yukoners were asked for their thoughts on extending the term of office for mayors and councils of Yukon municipalities and local advisory councils from three to four years. The Government of Yukon has now published a What We Heard report , which shows the majority of the public feedback supported the change. 62.4 per cent of the 149 respondents support a four-year term of office, while 34.2 percent do not.
At their annual general meeting in May, the Association of Yukon Communities passed a unanimous resolution requesting the Yukon government consider extending the term of office for municipal councils before the next general election in October 2024. The resolution also directed the organization to work with the Government of Yukon to seek Yukoners’ input on extending the term of office.
Following the response in this What We Heard report and the Association of Yukon Communities' resolution, changes will be brought forward for consideration in the Yukon Legislative Assembly to amend the Municipal Act and extend the terms of office .
Thank you to the Yukoners who responded to the September survey on extending the term of office for municipal councils. This feedback has helped us in our decision to move forward with changes to the Municipal Act. We are committed to effective local governance and sustainable local services in the Yukon. We are pleased to have partnered with the Association of Yukon Communities on this public engagement for the benefit of all Yukoners.
Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn
Extending the term length of municipalities to four years will vastly improve the ability of municipal governments to deal effectively with issues and challenges such as infrastructure deficits and climate change adaptation. Extending the term will also save taxpayers money by reducing the frequency of costly elections. The Association of Yukon Communities was glad to have partnered with Government of Yukon on moving this initiative forward.
President of Association of Yukon Communities Ted Laking
The Municipal Act governs municipal governments in the Yukon, including local advisory councils. Any changes to term of office require public engagement prior to making amendments to the legislation.
The Yukon and the Northwest Territories are the only jurisdictions in Canada with three-year terms for municipal government.
In March 2022, the Government of Yukon and Association of Yukon Communities signed a renewed partnership agreement. The agreement sets the foundation for how the two parties will work together over the next three years, based on principles of fairness, cooperation and collaboration.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Bonnie Venton Ross
Communications, Community Services
867-332-5513
bonnie.ventonross@yukon.ca
Shelley Hassard
Association of Yukon Committees
867-668-4388
ayced@ayc-yukon.ca