The names of the Yukon Electoral District Boundaries Commission were made public last week.

They are:

• Yukon Supreme Court Chief Justice Suzanne M. Duncan – Chair, determined by legislation;

• Warren Holland – nominated by the Yukon Party;

• Patricia Cunning – nominated by the Liberal Party;

• Elizabeth Hanson – nominated by the Yukon New Democratic Party, which she once led; and

• Maxwell Harvey – chief electoral officer.

The commission's main goal is to examine the current territorial electoral district boundaries and suggest changes to the boundaries, number and names of electoral districts for the next general election.

For example, it’s been pointed out that Whistle Bend’s population is to the point where it merits its own seat, instead of being part of a Porter Creek riding, as it is now.

The Elections Act was amended during the fall sitting to ensure an electoral district boundaries commission can conduct work and submit recommendations to the Yukon Legislative Assembly before the next scheduled Yukon election, expected in 2025.

“Regularly reviewing electoral boundaries supports balanced representation of Yukoners in the Yukon Legislative Assembly and strengthens democratic governance in the territory,” Premier Ranj Pillai said last Thursday.

“Nominees from each party represented in the House have been appointed to conduct this important work.”

The boundaries commission was last established in May 2017.

A commission is established after every second general election, and the membership term concludes upon submitting the final report.

The commission is expected to conduct public hearings, delivering an interim report within seven months of its formation and a final report within an additional five months.

The commission is required by the Elections Act.