Yukon’s newest premier promised to stay the course on Liberal government policies on Saturday as he formally took the reins of both his party and territory.
Ranj Pillai, a member of the territory’s Legislature since 2016, was officially sworn in as Yukon’s 10th premier at an afternoon ceremony in the territorial capital of Whitehorse. The ceremony—in which his new cabinet members were also sworn in—saw him officially succeed Sandy Silver in the role.
After officially taking office, Pillai said he was “honoured” to take the helm.
“The Yukon remains a place full of promise, a promise that can be realized through purpose and hard work. As premier, I’m dedicated to making sure that the work the government does is done with all Yukoners in mind,” he said.
Continuing the previous government’s work in housing, healthcare and energy will ensure all residents are represented and will benefit from the territory’s “strong economic growth,” Pillai said.
Silver announced in September he was stepping down as premier and did not intend to run in the territory’s general election in 2025.
Pillai, who ran unopposed, inherits a minority government that functions through a confidence and supply agreement with the Yukon New Democrats after the Yukon Liberals and Yukon Party each took eight seats in the 2021 election.
He will also serve as the minister responsible for the Executive Council Office, the Yukon Housing Corporation and minister of economic development.
“Our team is strong. We are passionate, committed and dedicated to serving all Yukoners as we advance the territory in the years ahead,” Pillai said in his first speech as premier.
Yukon’s new cabinet contains several familiar faces.
