By Suzanne Downing 
The Yukon Party has ended nearly a decade of Liberal Party leadership in Canada’s northwest, securing a majority government in the Nov. 3 territorial election and shifting the political winds across Alaska’s neighbor to the east.
Leader Currie Dixon, who returned to politics promising a renewed focus on resource development, economic stability, and respectful collaboration with First Nations, won his seat in Copperbelt North. His victory caps off a steady comeback for the center-right party, which last held power in 2016.
Born in 1985, Dixon is now the premier-designate of the Yukon. He has led the Yukon Party since 2020 and served as Leader of the Opposition in Yukon. He was also a cabinet minister in the previous government of Darrell Paslowski. He will be the first Yukon premier born in the territory and will be an important ally for Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, as Alaska and Yukon share a 752-mile border and a major river — the Yukon River.
The outgoing Liberals suffered a sharp setback. Liberal Leader Mike Pemberton finished third even in his own district of Whitehorse West, edged out by Yukon Party candidate Laura Lang. The Yukon’s New Democratic Party barely maintained a foothold, with NDP Leader Kate White winning in Takhini.
The Yukon Party, founded in 1978 as the Yukon Progressive Conservative Party and rebranded in 1991, has long championed individual freedoms, balanced budgets, and responsible natural resource development. The party emphasized economic growth, support for mining and energy development, and partnership with Indigenous governments as pillars of its campaign. Dixon signaled that environmental stewardship and reconciliation will remain central to governance, but within a framework that encourages investment and job creation.
The election is a decisive shift after nine years of Liberal rule, driven by voter concerns over economic uncertainty and confidence in a more development-focused agenda.
The message from Yukon voters was direct: Change is not only possible: It’s here.
Today is Election Day in the Mat-Su Borough. The Alaska Story encourages you to take a friend and head to the polls, which open at 7 am.