Thirty-eight Yukoners representing the territory’s 19 electoral districts have been selected for the Yukon Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform (YCAER).
Established by the Yukon Legislature, the Citizens’ Assembly is tasked with considering whether the territory should retain its current method of electing MLAs or adopt a different one.
This summer, the 38 assembly members will learn about different electoral systems used in various jurisdictions throughout the world, consider their advantages and disadvantages, and work together to recommend an option best able to meet the needs of Yukoners.
The Yukon Bureau of Statistics selected members from a survey conducted in 2023 where 1,793 respondents declared their willingness to participate in a such an endeavour.
“Most of us never think about how the electoral system we use plays a part
in shaping electoral outcomes and whogets elected to govern us. The Citizens’ Assembly is a rare opportunity for Yukoners to look ‘under the hood’ and think about whether our existing electoral system reflects our values and priorities,” said Sara McPhee-Knowles, YCAER chair.
“We are grateful to everyone who responded, and to the Yukon Bureau of Statistics for their help in drawing together willing participants. Most of all, we are grateful to the 38 individuals who have stepped forward to serve the territory and represent Yukon voters by engaging in this important conversation,” added McPhee-Knowles.
The Assembly’s first gathering is set for the weekend of May 25 and 26 in Whitehorse. Subsequent gatherings are planned for June 8-9, August 24-25, and September 7-8. The gatherings include learning sessions the public can observe virtually via Zoom. (EDITED May 13, 2024: An earlier version indicated in-person seats would be available. Unfortunately, Assembly proceedings make accommodating occasional groups of in-person attendees challenging. Observing via Zoom will provide the best experience for everyone. Recordings will also be available afterwards).
For their participation, YCAER members will receive an honorarium of $200 per gathering day, plus compensation for any expenses.
Nine Yukon University students and recent alumni have been hired as facilitators to support the dialogue of the Citizens’ Assembly at each gathering. Training of the facilitation team will take place this weekend, May 4 and 5.
Training will be led by Peter MacLeod, principal of MASS LBP, a Canadian organization recognized internationally for its work crafting and popularizing citizen-led deliberative processes.
“Citizen assemblies enable meaningful, powerful conversations on significant policy questions that shape our lives. They offer a unique opportunity and responsibility for members to exercise public judgement and act as stewards of the greater common good. We are delighted to be able to support the Yukon Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform team,” said MacLeod.
BACKGROUND:
A Citizens’ Assembly is a representative cross-section of the public, given time, resources and a broad range of viewpoints to learn deeply about an issue and provide a recommendation.
Across 2021 to 2023, the Special Committee on Electoral Reform heard from Yukoners. 63% of survey respondents supported the creation of a Citizens’ Assembly to explore different voting systems.
From May to September 2024, the Yukon Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform (YCAER) is examining and discussing different ways of electing our territorial government. By October 31, 2024, the YCAER will make a recommendation to either keep our current voting system or adopt a different system.