Yukon and Whitehorse urge residents to run in municipal election

A media campaign by the Yukon government is urging Yukoners to get involved in local politics. 

The nomination deadline is still a month away and the election is almost two months off, but there are concerns about a lack of interest in municipal council positions.

A clip from a Community Services video urging Yukoners to run for local government tells viewers "it's the best way to serve your community."

Candidates are always hard to find in the communities outside of Whitehorse, but even in the territorial capital, the city's returning officer says barely a handful of people have shown interest.

"I think the federal election is probably overshadowing [the municipal one] a bit," said Norma Felker.

Acclamation 'not a good way of governing people' 

Mayor Dan Curtis said he'd like to see a strong field contesting the upcoming election.

"It is very unfortunate that the federal election is four days after ours, but we are doing everything to ensure as many people get out to vote. For one thing, we do need some good candidates." 

Outside of Whitehorse, most hamlet and municipal councils are acclaimed because no other candidates put their names forward.

Al Foster has served six years on council for the Hamlet of Mount Lorne and wants out.

"The only way you can get off council is if you can find someone else to take your place, and that's not a good way of governing people."