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 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. It also suggests merging Watson Lake, Ross River and Faro into one riding 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 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.

"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 Tuesday to the commission 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."

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 [the] 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 commission is holding its final public hearing on the matter virtually, on Aug. 13. 

The public has until Aug. 26 to submit written feedback to be considered before a final report is sent to legislators.