After election defeat, Yukon Party faces changes in leadership, legislature

Prominent Yukon Party supporters are planning for their party's future while absorbing the implications of their exit from government after 14 years in power.

That includes shifting their focus to being the official opposition and replacing outgoing leader Darrell Pasloski.

"Any time you lose your leader and your deputy premier at the same time, obviously it's devastating," said the Yukon Party's campaign chair Currie Dixon, referring to Pasloski and longtime Whitehorse West MLA Elaine Taylor, also defeated by a Liberal candidate.

"So now our focus has to turn to those who were successful and the six MLAs we have that will form the official opposition, and as a party we need to begin planning for a new leader and a new leadership election and rebuild as a party and form government next time."

Dixon, an outgoing MLA,remains the Minister of Community Services until the new Liberal government is sworn in. He did not run for re-election in his Copper Belt North riding.

The Yukon Party'scandidate for hisseat, Pat McInroy, was defeated by Liberal Ted Adel.

Dixon is considered one of the top contenders for party leader, although he said he wants some time out.

"I'm out of politics now," he said. "I didn't run this time. My swan song was helping run this election, and obviously, we didn't have the success we wanted, so I'll be looking for other opportunities."

Other possible leadership candidates include longtime Lake Laberge MLA Brad Cathers, and former Commissioner and newly-elected Porter Creek North MLA Geraldine Van Bibber.

Van Bibber said holding the government accountable will be a big part of her job, but she is hoping for a more amicable relationship between parties.

"Hopefully we can agree to agree on many things;I don't think it always has to be adversarial," said Van Bibber."I think perhaps we might see a change."

Pasloskihas said it's his intention to conduct "an ordered and respectful transition" of power to the new Liberal government.