Mike Pemberton was officially sworn in today as the 11th Premier of the Yukon by Commissioner Adeline Webber during a public ceremony held at the Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse.
Pemberton takes on the role following his election as leader of the Yukon Liberal Party on June 19, 2025. He succeeds Ranj Pillai, who served as Premier since January 2023 and announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down as party leader.
A long-time Yukoner with deep roots in the territory, Premier Pemberton brings decades of experience in business, public service and community leadership to the role. His past leadership includes serving as Chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Yukon Development Corporation and a board member at Yukon Energy. He has also held a federal appointment to the Yukon Water Board and served as President of the Yukon Community Crime Stoppers’ Association.
In addition to his responsibilities as Premier, Pemberton will serve as Minister responsible for the Executive Council Office. No other changes to Cabinet were announced at this time.
Premier Pemberton will spend the coming weeks visiting communities and speaking with Yukoners while continuing to advance the work of the Yukon government.
It’s an honour to serve as the 11th Premier of the Yukon. I know there are real challenges facing our territory – but I also know there is strength, resilience and opportunity in every Yukon community. In the months ahead, our government will stay focused on the issues that matter most to Yukoners – from affordability and public safety, to partnerships with Yukon First Nations and protecting the land we all call home. There’s important work ahead, and I’m ready to get to it – with openness, respect and a deep commitment to delivering for Yukoners in every corner of the territory.
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The next territorial general election must take place on or before November 3, 2025.
Mike Pemberton became the leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and the 11th Premier of the Yukon in June 2025. A long-time Yukoner, entrepreneur and community builder, Pemberton is known for his commitment to strengthening local economies, supporting safe and healthy communities and advancing practical, inclusive leadership.
With more than 30 years of experience in business, governance and public service, Pemberton brings a steady and collaborative approach to leadership. His work spans many of the Yukon’s most critical institutions: he has served as Chair of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Yukon Development Corporation and a board member of the Yukon Energy Corporation. He also served on the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal and was the long-time President of Yukon Community Crime Stoppers.
Throughout his career, Pemberton has worked to support the wellbeing of Yukon communities. He has been active in both federal and territorial political life for more than two decades, serving as Chair of the Yukon federal executive, vice-president of the Yukon Liberal Party and sitting on the national board. In 2024, he was honoured with the Yukon 125 award, recognizing his longstanding contributions to community service and local business leadership.
Pemberton believes Yukon communities are strong – and that together they can become even stronger. His leadership is grounded in respect, partnership and action. He is committed to working alongside Yukon First Nations governments, municipalities, the private sector and community organizations to shape a future rooted in partnership, self-determination and shared prosperity. He understands that a stronger Yukon comes from listening, learning and building trust – together.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Alexis Miller
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-667-9508
[email protected]