Opposition Parties tell Premier Silver to clarify leadership rules for cabinet ministers

October 2, 2022

Whitehorse, YT — The Yukon NDP and the Yukon Party are calling on Premier Sandy Silver to set out clear rules for cabinet ministers who enter party leadership races.

Both opposition parties want to prevent Liberal cabinet ministers from using government resources to advance their leadership campaigns following Silver’s announcement in September that he intends to resign.

Government ministers normally resign their cabinet posts before seeking party leadership, according to long-established political convention.

With the Legislature resuming this week, it is concerning that no rules have been established and communicated by the Premier.

Quotes:
“It’s important that the Premier publicly communicates clear rules before the Fall sitting starts on Thursday so that cabinet ministers don’t abuse their positions or use public funds to pursue leadership races now, or in the future.”

— Kate White, Leader of the Yukon NDP

“There is a long-standing convention in Canadian politics that cabinet ministers who are running for the leadership of a party step away from cabinet duties during the leadership campaign.”

— Currie Dixon, Leader of the Yukon Party