Proposed Yukon East riding could strengthen Kaska Nation's common interests, some say
The issue as to whether Yukon should reduce its electoral ridings from eight to six has been stirring up controversy for months.
In May, the Yukon Electoral District Boundaries Commission (YEDBC) released its 2024 interim report, which proposes that the territory increase the number of ridings in Whitehorse from 11 to 13, due to the city's growing population, while merging rural ridings in Watson Lake, with Ross River, and Faro into create one called Yukon East, and merging the Klondike riding in Dawson City, with Old Crow's Vuntut Gwitchin ridings into one called Yukon North.
Many people CBC News has spoken to said they are against the idea of merging rural ridings.
However, members of the Ross River Dena Council, in Ross River say the new Yukon East riding would be a good thing.
Dorothy Smith, a councillor for the Ross River Dena Council, said the merger would make things easier for the Kaska Nation in their work with MLAs because it would bring the nation's six communities together into one riding.
New electoral district boundaries were recommended by Yukon's Electoral District Boundaries Commission in May 2024. (Yukon Electoral District Boundaries Commission)
"Even though we have six different communities, if one person is having problems then the others try and help with that problem," Smith said.
Smith said the current MLA representing Ross River lives 585 kilometres away in Teslin and so if the MLA was from Watson Lake she doesn't see it as being a problem.
She said she supports the proposed boundary changes if it means it will give a stronger voice to all Kaska people..
Merge Faro, Ross River, and Carmacks
Jack Bowers, mayor of Faro, wants to see Ross River, Faro and Carmacks combined into one riding, rather than merging Ross River and Watson Lake – and he sent a letter on Tuesday to the YEDBC suggesting it.
"Due to the proximity these three communities are situated within two or three hours from each other. These three communities share similar geological, climate, and emergency response concerns."
The letter went on to read, "These three communities often call upon one another for assistance and support so there's already an established relationship."
Jack Bowers, mayor of Faro, said Yukon has a different idea than what electoral officials have proposed. He thinks Faro's riding should merge with Ross River and Carmacks. (Supplied by Jack Bowers)
Bowers said the road to Faro can be quite risky to drive, especially during the winter months. He said because of that it could create challenges for an MLA based in Watson Lake to visit.
"The Robert Campbell highway linking Watson Lake to Ross River, and Faro is a five hour drive at best of times due to its questionable driving conditions," Bowers's letter reads.
"When the Campbell Highway is not passable it means that the travel is increased to about nine or 10 hours of driving one way, by having to drive through Whitehorse."
The YEDBC is holding its final public hearing on the matter virtually, on Aug. 13.
The public has until August 26 to submit written feedback to be considered before a final report is sent to legislators.