The Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) has concerns with the interim report of the Electoral Boundaries Commission.

Whitehorse city councillor Kirk Cameron introduced a motion to that effect at the AYC’s annual general meeting held last weekend in Dawson City.

It reads:

“WHEREAS the interim report of the Yukon Electoral Boundaries Commission proposes to reduce the number of seats in the legislative assembly representing people outside of Whitehorse from eight to six; and

WHEREAS the commission will now consult with Yukoners on this interim report until August 26, 2024;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Association of Yukon Communities Express concerns with the diminishment of rural voices in the interim report of the Yukon Electoral Boundaries Commission and that the AYC request that the commission hold an in-person consultation with all the AYC membership.”

The interim report, released last Friday, proposes the creation of the new Whistle Bend North and Whistle Bend South seats. The mushrooming subdivision is currently part of Yukon Party MLA Yvonne Clarke’s Porter Creek Centre riding.

Also drawing some critical attention is the commission’s suggestion that the Klondike and Vuntut Gwitchin ridings be merged. That would mean a single MLA would represent the sharply differing communities of Dawson City and Old Crow.

“The recommendation to increase the amount of Whitehorse legislative seats from 11 to 13 while reducing rural seats from eight to six, would negatively impact the ability of rural Yukon to have its voice and concerns reflected in the business of the legislative assembly,” the AYC said.

“It would become easier for majority governments to be formed without any representation from rural Yukon – further marginalizing remote communities.”

The AYC is also concerned with the commission’s recently announced schedule of public hearings.

Of the 13 scheduled hearings, 11 of them are in communities outside of Whitehorse.

“Seven of those scheduled hearings take place during work hours, which will limit the ability for rural Yukoners to participate meaningfully,” the AYC said.

“All the hearings taking place within Whitehorse are scheduled for times outside of work hours.

“This means that participation may be easier for Whitehorse residents than it will be for rural residents.”