Whitehorse, YT – Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai says he will step down as leader of the Yukon Liberal Party and will not seek re-election in the next territorial vote.
“It is truly an honour — the greatest honour of my life — but my time in this role has come to an end,” Pillai said at a news conference Wednesday.
He will remain as premier until a new leader is chosen.
Pillai has served as premier since January 2023, when former premier Sandy Silver resigned. He was first elected to the Yukon Legislature in 2016 and currently serves as minister of housing, economic development, and Indigenous and intergovernmental affairs.
He said he plans to continue focusing on key files within his economic development portfolio during the transition, including health-care recruitment and preparing for potential trade disruptions tied to tariffs.
He credited his success to his family’s support, acknowledging the sacrifices they’ve made and expressing a desire to spend more time with them.
“The work of a premier or minister is all consuming, which means considerable time away from those that are closest to you,” said Pillai. “I didn’t understand that at the time but I get it now.”
The next territorial election must be held no later than Nov. 3.
The Yukon Liberal Party executive is expected to meet soon to discuss timelines for selecting a new leader.
