Currie Dixon wants to be back in the legislature.

Right now.

Following the swearings-in of his Yukon Party MLAs on Thursday, Dixon launched what he likely thought was a blistering attack on Premier Sandy Silver for failing to move faster to get the government back in session.

“Six weeks ago, Sandy Silver and the Liberals decided to call a snap election,” Dixon said from the foyer of the legislature during an in-person-only news conference held at noon.

“They did this less than two weeks after extending the state of emergency in Yukon for yet another 90 days.

“They did so after weeks of denying that they would … while assuring Yukoners that they were only focused on the vaccination rollout.

“They did so despite the fact that even though they had a majority in the legislature... and despite the fact they had not even passed their budget.”

For a governing party to not even attempt to pass its budget before an election was “unheard of,” Dixon said.

“Sandy Silver gambled that an unnecessary snap election would be in the best interests of the Liberals. Well, he was clearly wrong, and his plan backfired.”

Dixon noted the Liberals lost seats to both the Yukon Party and the NDP – and were a distant second to the Yukon Party in popular support (39.3 per cent to 32.3 per cent).

“They lost the popular vote… by a lot. Less than a third of Yukoners voted for them, and they lost a senior cabinet minister (Pauline Frost),” said Dixon.

“As a result of all this, the territory has been left without leadership for over a month and a half. The territorial government does not have a budget. Key decisions have been left in limbo.

“Businesses are asking when contracts will be awarded. Employees in the public service are looking for direction.

“Even the chief medical officer has indicated that he has new recommendations but the government is in caretaker mode so they cannot be implemented.”

Since the April 12 election, Dixon said, Silver has been nearly invisible.

“He’s been missing in action; silent; absent.

“What became a hallmark for the last Liberal government was their inability to make decisions and to take action. And we are seeing that play out once again as a vacuum of leadership has taken over as the Liberals have gone to ground.”

Dixon said the Yukon Party has not had any communication with Silver – despite his saying in a media release he would be speaking with both the Yukon Party and the NDP.

On election night in Dawson City, Silver vowed all the parties would work together.

“It took the premier a week to issue a meek statement that said he would form the government and intended to speak to the other party leaders,” Dixon said. “Since the election, the Yukon Party has not heard a word from Sandy Silver.

“It surprises me; it certainly does,” Dixon added. “It looks as if the Liberals are interested in only working with the NDP.

“I’d be happy to hear from the Liberals what their plans are. I think there is certainly a possibility to work together, but that starts with conversations.

“But if they’re going to start with the budget they introduced a few weeks ago, then no, we wouldn’t be willing to support that. We don’t have confidence with the premier on that front. But we’re willing to work with anyone to get a government formed.”

Interestingly, Dixon said he had spoken with NDP Leader Kate White several times.

He wouldn’t reveal what has been discussed, nor whether he would be willing to work with the NDP to form a government if offered the opportunity.

With both the Liberals and the Yukon Party having eight seats, it’s possible either of them could be called govern if circumstances allow – though the incumbents normally receive the first summons.

However, Dixon went on to say he would not accept any co-operation between the Liberals and NDP.

“By not even reaching out to the Yukon Party, it is clear to me that his (Silver’s) preference is to form a left-wing coalition with the NDP. Based on the results of the election, that is entirely possible and legitimate.

“If that is the path they want to go down, then fine; but we cannot support such a coalition.”

Dixon said his message to the Liberals is a simple one: restart the legislative process as soon as possible – even by the end of the month.

“It’s time to get to get to work.”

Dixon noted the interim spending authority for the government is coming to an end. There are government contracts that need to be awarded for work this summer to begin.

“The Yukon needs a budget, it needs leadership and it needs some certainty,” he said.

The official Opposition said in a subsequent statement, “If the Liberals are unable to gain the confidence of the legislature, then the Yukon Party is ready to govern.

“Enough with the uncertainty. It is time to get to work.”

After the news conference, Dixon had a surprise waiting for him at his office: a missed call from Sandy Silver.

The premier released this statement today: “I have spoken with the commissioner about my intentions to form government and garner the confidence of the legislative assembly. That work is underway, and our Liberal MLAs will be sworn in as members of the legislative assembly today.

“The critical work of government is continuing and Yukoners have access to essential services and supports,” Silver added.

“Yukoners have asked us to collaborate, and that is what my team and I are committed to doing.

“We have met with the NDP and we continue to meet with them. While I have reached out to the leader of the Yukon Party, I have yet to hear back.”

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