For the first time in Yukon’s history, the number of women elected to the territory’s Legislative Assembly has surpassed that of men. In the recent election, Elections Yukon reported that 11 women and one non-binary MLA were elected, accounting for 57 percent of the legislature. Lindsay Brumwell, interim executive director of Equal Voice, expressed delight at this outcome, labeling it as a remarkable achievement. She praised Yukon for leading the way in Canada and attributed the milestone to the community’s emphasis on selecting the best local leaders, irrespective of gender.
Similar progress has been seen in other regions such as British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, where women achieved over 50 percent representation in recent elections. During Yukon’s campaign, a significant number of women participated, with 27 women and one gender diverse individual running for electoral district representation, totaling 46 percent.
Brumwell emphasized that having more women in office can lead to the development of stronger policies, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. In addition, Yvonne Clarke, a re-elected Yukon Party MLA, expressed pride in being part of Yukon’s first female-majority legislature. She highlighted 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 and addressing issues like poverty and violence against women.
Despite the progress made, Brumwell noted that women still face barriers, as they often doubt their qualifications for elected positions more than men. She stressed the importance of continued support and encouragement from leaders and communities to empower women to pursue political roles. The results of Yukon’s election reflect the collective effort of individuals championing gender equality and encouraging women to participate in political leadership roles.
Clarke commended the support she received during the campaign and urged other leaders to engage with aspiring female candidates persistently. She encouraged high school students to consider running for public office, emphasizing the impact they can make. Linda Moen, an NDP MLA-elect, highlighted the support she received from her community and party, underscoring the significance of Indigenous women entering political spaces.
Moen emphasized the leadership roles Indigenous women have historically held within their communities, affirming their right to contribute to political decision-making. She shared a poignant moment with Margaret Commodore, a former Yukon MLA, illustrating the legacy of support and mentorship among Indigenous women in leadership positions. Moen hopes that their achievements inspire future generations to pursue leadership roles and recognize the potential impact they can have.