The 36th Yukon general election was held on October 10, 2006, in Yukon, Canada, to elect members of the Yukon Legislative Assembly. The Premier of Yukon asked the territorial Commissioner for a dissolution of the Assembly on September 8, 2006. Because of changes in the Yukon Act, the Yukon Party government's mandate resulting from this election is for as long as five years instead of four.
Haakon Arntzen leaves the Yukon Party caucus after investigations into several sexual assault cases in the 70's and the 80's began. While serving as an independent, he was found guilty. The Opposition called for his resignation, however this was rebuffed by the Government who believed he should be sentenced first.
The Liberal Party held a leadership race after Pat Duncan lost the previous election moving from government to only one seat and third place. The party chose Arthur Mitchell over Duncan to lead the party.
Arntzen resigns from the legislature on September 9, 2005. A by-election was held on November 21, 2005 to fill the Copperbelt seat and Liberal leader Arthur Mitchell won the election with almost 50% of the vote.
Peter Jenkins, member for Klondike, resigns from Yukon Party, November 28, 2005 and from the cabinet after a dispute with the Premier over the payment of loans.
Gary McRobb, member for Kluane, and Eric Fairclough, member for Mayo-Tatchun were expelled from the New Democratic Party (NDP) on February 28, 2006 and March 1, 2006 respectively when it is learned that they are exploring the possibility of running as independents or Liberals in the next election.
McRobb (on March 17, 2006) and Fairclough (on May 1, 2006) both joined the Liberal caucus. Fairclough's joining brought the Liberals ahead of the NDP making them the official opposition. [1]
Edzerza on August 2, 2006 resigned from cabinet and the Yukon Party caucus; the following day, Edzerza said he would seek the NDP nomination in his riding. In accordance with NDP policy, Edzerza is to sit as an independent until nominated and elected as an NDP candidate.
Yukon Party: Imagine tomorrow
Yukon Liberal Party: Putting people first
Yukon New Democratic Party: Leading the way
names in bold indicate cabinet ministers, names in italics are party leaders
Trendlines polls from October 2005 to June 2006 are based on a 100-day rolling average. Trendlines polls from July 2006 to October 2006 only include the respective monthly figures.
Trendlines has conducted a poll in every riding every month for several months. According to the September/October polls, the Yukon Party could form a minority government with 7 of the 18 seats; or the Liberal Party and NDP could form a majority coalition with 11 out of the 18 seats.
*Independent candidate Tim Zeigdel has since withdrawn.
TrendLines Research
