2020 Yukon Party leadership election explained

The 2020 Yukon Party leadership election took place on May 23, 2020, to elect a leader to replace Darrell Pasloski, who resigned on November 7, 2016^[3] after the 2016 Yukon general election, which resulted in the party's majority government being defeated and Pasloski losing re-election in Mountainview. Currie Dixon was elected after two ballots with a record turnout of 96% of registered Yukon Party voters.^[4]

Timeline

2016

• November 7 - The general election is held, reducing the party's seat count from 11 to 6. Pasloski announces his resignation as leader.
• November 17 - Stacey Hassard, MLA for Pelly-Nisutlin and former minister of economic development, is named the interim leader of the party until a leadership election is held.^[5]

2019

• 20 November - The election date is announced for May 23, 2020.
• 21 November - Currie Dixon, former cabinet minister and former MLA for Copperbelt North, announces his candidacy.^{[6] [7]}
• 5 December - Brad Cathers, MLA for Lake Laberge, former cabinet minister and the longest-serving incumbent MLA, announces his candidacy.^{[8] [9]}

2020

• 14 January - Linda Benoit, former party president and treasurer, announces her candidacy.^{[10] [11]}
• 25 March - Party president Mark Beese announces that the leadership election will continue despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, opting to instead allow members to vote by phone or online.
• 9 April at 6:00 PM PDT - Deadline to purchase membership to vote in leadership election.^[12]
• 15 May - Voting opens both by phone and online.
• 23 May
  • In-person voting opened at 10:00 AM PDT.
  • Voting closed at 7:00 PM PDT.
  • Currie Dixon is announced as the new leader at 8:00 PM PDT.

Candidates

Linda Benoit

Background:

Linda Benoit, 38, is a businesswoman from Faro who is a former party president, party treasurer, and official agent.

Candidacy announced: 14 January 2020

Candidacy approved: 6 March 2020

Date registered with Elections Yukon:

Campaign website:

Policies:

Brad Cathers

Background:

Brad Cathers, 42, is the incumbent MLA for Lake Laberge, having served since 2002. He is a former cabinet minister, having served under both Dennis Fentie and Darrell Pasloski for a cumulative eight years; his portfolios include justice, health and energy. Prior to his election as an MLA, Cathers worked as a businessman in the private sector.

Candidacy announced: 5 December 2019

Candidacy approved: 6 March 2020

Date registered with Elections Yukon:

Campaign website:

Policies:

Currie Dixon

Background:

Currie Dixon, 34, is the former MLA for Copperbelt North and cabinet minister, having served from 2011 to 2016. He is currently the director of strategic partnerships at ALX Exploration and Mining Supplies.

Candidacy announced: 21 November 2019

Candidacy approved: 6 March 2020

Date registered with Elections Yukon:

Campaign website:

Policies:

Declined

• Scott Kent, MLA for Copperbelt South (2016–present), Riverdale North (2011–2016), Riverside (2001–2002). Endorsed Dixon.
• Darrell Pasloski, former party leader (2011–2016), former premier (2011–2016), former MLA for Mountainview (2011–2016).
• Jonas Smith, executive director of the Klondike Placer Miners' Association, former party president, 2019 federal Conservative candidate in Yukon. Endorsed Benoit.
• Elaine Taylor, former deputy premier (2005–2016), former cabinet minister, former MLA for Whitehorse West (2002–2016).
• Geraldine Van Bibber, MLA for Porter Creek North (2016–present), former commissioner of Yukon (2005–2010).

Results

Results by ballot

Candidate	Round 1		Round 2
	Points	%	Points	%
Currie Dixon	694	46.55%	752	50.44%
Brad Cathers	637	45.74%	682	42.72%
Linda Benoit	160	10.73%

Notes and References

1. Web site: Yukon Party sets date for leadership election in May. 20 November 2019. 21 April 2020. CBC News.
2. Web site: Yukon Party to go ahead with leadership vote this spring. 27 March 2020. 21 April 2020. CBC News.
3. Web site: Yukon Liberals win majority after 14 years of conservative government. Tukker. Paul. 7 November 2016. 21 April 2020. CBC News.
4. Web site: 2020 Yukon Party Leadership Election. May 23, 2020. May 23, 2020. Youtube.
5. Web site: Stacey Hassard named interim leader of Yukon Party. 17 November 2016. 21 April 2020. CBC News.
6. Web site: Yukon Party sees first leadership candidate. Kucharuk. Tim. 22 November 2019. 21 April 2020. CKRW 96.1FM The Rush.
7. Web site: Currie Dixon wants to lead the Yukon Party. 22 November 2019. 21 April 2020. CBC News.
8. Web site: Yukon Party leadership race gets second candidate. Kennedy. John. 6 December 2019. 21 April 2020. CKRW 96.1FM The Rush.
9. Web site: MLA Brad Cathers joins Yukon Party leadership race. 6 December 2019. 21 April 2020. CBC News.
10. Web site: Longtime party supporter vies for Yukon Party leadership. Gignac. Julien. 14 January 2020. 21 April 2020. Yukon News.
11. Web site: Linda Benoit joins race for Yukon Party leadership. 14 January 2020. 21 April 2020. CBC News.
12. Web site: Three Candidates Vie for Leadership of the Yukon Party. 6 March 2020. 21 April 2020.