Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai at a press conference earlier this year. Premier Pillai announced he will step down as Liberal Leader and not seek re-election. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Whitehorse, YT – Premier Ranj Pillai’s surprise resignation is drawing criticism from the Yukon Party while NDP Leader Kate White says it confirms the next territorial election will be a two-party race.
In a statement Monday, the Yukon Party accused the outgoing premier of stepping down to avoid facing voters, and said his departure leaves the territory “essentially leaderless” at a critical time.
“With speculation that none of the other Liberal Cabinet Ministers will seek re-election, it speaks volumes that the Liberals, including Mr. Pillai, would rather quit than face voters,” reads the statement.
The party also blamed the Liberal government for record debt, a struggling health-care system and rising crime.
White said she was surprised by the resignation, but thanked Pillai for his public service. She said the decision underscores a shifting political landscape.
“This just really cements for me that it is a two-way race going into the territorial election,” said White.
A recent Leger poll commissioned by the Yukon Party shows it leading with 41 per cent support, followed by the NDP at 34 per cent and the Liberals at 23 per cent.
The next election must be held no later than Nov. 3.
