Latest news with #YukonLiberalParty
National Observer
3 hours ago
- Business
- National Observer
Mike Pemberton wins Yukon Liberal leadership race and will be next premier
Mike Pemberton has been named the new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will be the territory's 11th premier. A local businessman and longtime party insider, Pemberton won the leadership race by 13 votes over former Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief Doris Bill. Pemberton told supporters gathered Thursday night at the party's convention in Whitehorse that they have an opportunity to build on eight years of strong leadership and First Nations partnerships. "(It's) an opportunity to grow together, to grow our party, to show our strong track record of economic growth, our commitment to public safety, affordability and the well-being of all communities, big and small," he said. No date has been set for when Pemberton will be sworn in as premier but he will have little time to make his mark before he is running in the next territorial election. That election must take place on or before Nov. 3 and Pemberton has previously told The Canadian Press that he would likely call it before that deadline. In his acceptance speech Thursday he said there was "hard work and new challenges ahead." "I commit to having genuine conversations with Yukoners across the territory, and building a platform that not only reflects Yukoners' wants and needs, but inspires them as well," he said. Pemberton is chair of the Yukon branch of the federal Liberal Party and was vice president of the territorial party before stepping aside to run for leader. He will replace outgoing Premier Ranj Pillai who announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election and would step down after his successor was chosen. The party said 873 ballots were cast at the leadership convention, with Pemberton getting 442 votes, 429 people voting for Bill, and two ballots being spoiled. Following the votes being announced, Bill said she was disappointed. "I really tried to reach out across the Yukon, because I believe that it's Yukoners that should vote for their leader," she said. Had she won, Bill would have been Yukon's first Indigenous premier and first to be born in the territory. She said she hopes that can still be achieved by someone. "I hope someday. You know, this may have been the closest we've ever gotten as a people to that particular job," she said. The Liberals hold a minority government in Yukon with eight of the 19 available seats in the legislature. Opposition Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon congratulated Pemberton on his win and thanked Bill for putting her name forward. "Making the choice to enter politics is never an easy one. With increased public scrutiny and time away from family, the sacrifices are many, but our democracy requires that dedicated citizens answer the call to serve our communities," he said in a statement. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025
Vancouver Sun
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Mike Pemberton wins Yukon Liberal leadership race, will be territory's 11th premier
Mike Pemberton has been named the new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will be the territory's 11th premier. A local businessman and longtime party insider, Pemberton won the leadership race by 13 votes over former Kwanlin Dun First Nations Chief Doris Bill. BREAKING: Yukon Liberals select Mike Pemberton as their new leader and the territory's next premier He will replace outgoing Premier Ranj Pillai who announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election and would step down after his successor was chosen. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The party says 873 ballots were cast at the leadership convention in Whitehorse, with Pemberton getting 442 votes, 429 people voting for Bill, and two ballots being spoiled. The next territorial election must be held on or before Nov. 3. The Liberals hold a minority government in Yukon with eight of the 19 available seats in the legislature. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Post
4 hours ago
- Politics
- National Post
Mike Pemberton wins Yukon Liberal leadership race, will be territory's 11th premier
Article content Mike Pemberton has been named the new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will be the territory's 11th premier. Article content A local businessman and longtime party insider, Pemberton won the leadership race by 13 votes over former Kwanlin Dun First Nations Chief Doris Bill. Article content He will replace outgoing Premier Ranj Pillai who announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election and would step down after his successor was chosen. Article content Article content The Liberals hold a minority government in Yukon with eight of the 19 available seats in the legislature. Article content
CTV News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Mike Pemberton wins Yukon Liberal leadership race, will be next premier
Yukon Liberal Party Leader and premier-designate Mike Pemberton poses in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Yukon Liberal Party (Mandatory Credit) WHITEHORSE — WHITEHORSE -- Mike Pemberton has been named the new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will be the territory's 11th premier. A local businessman and longtime party insider, Pemberton won the leadership race by 13 votes over former Kwanlin Dun First Nation Chief Doris Bill. Pemberton told supporters gathered Thursday night at the party's convention in Whitehorse that they have an opportunity to build on eight years of strong leadership and First Nations partnerships. '(It's) an opportunity to grow together, to grow our party, to show our strong track record of economic growth, our commitment to public safety, affordability and the well-being of all communities, big and small,' he said. No date has been set for when Pemberton will be sworn in as premier but he will have little time to make his mark before he is running in the next territorial election. That election must take place on or before Nov. 3 and Pemberton has previously told The Canadian Press that he would likely call it before that deadline. In his acceptance speech Thursday he said there was 'hard work and new challenges ahead.' 'I commit to having genuine conversations with Yukoners across the territory, and building a platform that not only reflects Yukoners' wants and needs, but inspires them as well,' he said. Pemberton is chair of the Yukon branch of the federal Liberal party and was vice-president of the territorial party before stepping aside to run for leader. He will replace outgoing Premier Ranj Pillai who announced earlier this year that he would not be seeking re-election and would step down after his successor was chosen. The party said 873 ballots were cast at the leadership convention, with Pemberton getting 442 votes, 429 people voting for Bill, and two ballots being spoiled. Following the votes being announced, Bill said she was disappointed. 'I really tried to reach out across the Yukon, because I believe that it's Yukoners that should vote for their leader,' she said. Had she won, Bill would have been Yukon's first Indigenous premier and first to be born in the territory. She said she hopes that can still be achieved by someone. 'I hope someday. You know, this may have been the closest we've ever gotten as a people to that particular job,' she said. The Liberals hold a minority government in Yukon with eight of the 19 available seats in the legislature. Opposition Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon congratulated Pemberton on his win and thanked Bill for putting her name forward. 'Making the choice to enter politics is never an easy one. With increased public scrutiny and time away from family, the sacrifices are many, but our democracy requires that dedicated citizens answer the call to serve our communities,' he said in a statement. By Ashley Joannou and Isabel Ruitenbeek This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025
CBC
11 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Mike Pemberton elected new leader of the Yukon Liberal Party
Members of the Yukon Liberal Party have chosen their next leader and the territory's next premier: businessman Mike Pemberton. "We are here tonight as part of a proud, and strong Liberal movement that is rooted in community. Compassion. And the belief that we can work together to build a brighter future for all Yukoners," Pemberton said. Pemberton narrowly won by 14 votes. Out of a total of 873 votes, Pemberton received 442, while fellow candidate Doris Bill received 429. Pemberton has been involved with the federal and territorial Liberals for more than 20 years. He was the spokesperson for Ranj Pillai's campaign when the current premier and party leader ran uncontested for the Yukon Liberal Party leadership. He also previously owned a furniture store in downtown Whitehorse. He's served on the Whitehorse and Yukon chambers of commerce, the Yukon Development Corporation and the board of Yukon Energy. Pemberton is now premier-designate until a swearing-in ceremony. Once sworn in, They will then serve as the territory's 11th premier until the next general election, which must happen before November 3.
