A democracy watchdog has labeled Yukon as the “worst” in the nation regarding its political party financing system.
“The Yukon should be called the Notorious North,” stated Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch.
“[The territory] is way behind most other jurisdictions in Canada, decades behind some provinces, and has a completely unethical, undemocratic, and corrupting political finance system that needs to be addressed.”
The territory’s chief electoral officer acknowledges that the rules about who can donate to political parties and how much they can contribute could use improvement. Conacher proposes that the territory reconsider contribution limits and prohibit donations from corporations, unions, and organizations.
“Yukon’s system, which permits donations from outside the jurisdiction, is also a setup for foreign interference,” Conacher mentioned.
“When you have unlimited donations coming from outside of the territory and from businesses or organizations seeking something from the government, then you’re basically saying the government is for sale and that bribery is legalized.”
reviewed reports on political party financing released on the last day of spring’s legislative sitting. In April, the Yukon Legislative Assembly formed a special committee to examine who contributes money and how much they can give to political parties.
Conacher intends to submit his views to this special committee.
The Yukon currently allows corporate contributions along with unlimited individual donations as well as undisclosed “other” revenue sources that don’t require receipts or documentation.
The reports show more corporate entities were leading donors to the Yukon Party compared to its two rivals.
As seen previously, the NDP criticizes the Yukon Party for accepting contributions from numbered companies as well as outfitters and mining firms.
Official Opposition Leader Kate White specifically pointed out a $5,000 donation made by Mac Millan River Adventures to the Yukon Party in legislature. In a March 2025 letter addressed to Yukon News, one of its part owners noted that Donald Trump Jr. invests in and holds a small percentage of ownership in it.
Details from Reports
One report summarizes revenue collected by political parties during 2025.
The second report outlines revenues and expenses along with surpluses or deficits experienced by political parties and candidates throughout the 2025 election campaign.
The election financing report states that NDP concluded its election period with over $140,000 deficit-the only party with such an outcome.
The other two parties emerged from their campaigns with surplus funds: approximately $19,600 for the Yukon Party and just over $12,000 for Liberals.
Not all MLAs elected received higher donations than their opponents based on these reports.
Total Contributions Received
Overall contributions to political parties increased in 2025 compared to 2021 when there was a prior territorial election cycle.
Half of all donations for 2025 came during campaign time.
The Yukon Party ($515,000) raised more than both rivals combined. Following elections saw them shift power from eight MLAs up to 14 forming a majority government. p>
Both Yukon’s NDP ($170,000) and Liberals ($174 ,000 ) were close competitors. The elections allowed NDP double their seats while Liberals fell dramatically from eight seats down just one. p>
No party accepted contributions outside Canada last calendar year; however , each did accept money beyond territorial boundaries during this past election. p>
Regarding “other” revenue reported , Yukon’s Party noted $45 ,000 against NDP’s $28 ,000 while Liberals received $19 ,000.
