Crime and Public Safety

Over the past several years, we have watched crime tighten its grip on our communities. Statistics paint a concerning picture. Over the past 10 years, Yukon's property crime has surged by 42 percent, and violent crime has soared by 47 percent. These are not just numbers; they're a reflection of lives disrupted, businesses shuttered, and a sense of safety eroded. Downtown Whitehorse, once the vibrant heart of the community, now frequently experiences break-ins, gang activity, and open drug use, leaving residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike feeling unsafe.

This did not happen overnight. The policies of the past 10 years of territorial and federal governments have played a significant role, prioritizing leniency over accountability and allowing repeat offenders to cycle through a "catch-and-release" system that frustrates our police and ignores victims. We’ve heard from RCMP members who arrest the same offenders repeatedly, only to see them back on the streets shortly afterwards. Trust in our justice system is waning because criminals no longer fear consequences, and victims are left feeling ignored. In a small territory like ours, this breakdown hits especially hard. Families worry about their children walking home from school, while business owners are forced to install costly security systems just to keep up.

Over the past year, I have spoken to many Yukoners about this crime wave. In those conversations, it has become clear that decisive change is needed to reverse this trend and restore the safety that our community once relied on. The Yukon Party is committed to a comprehensive approach that puts victims first, empowers law enforcement, and addresses the causes of crime, all while still ensuring swifter justice.

We must start by strengthening our courts to end the revolving door bail system for repeat and violent offenders. By working with the federal government, we intend to advance reforms that provide clearer guidance to prosecutors and seek tougher conditions for those involved in organized crime or with a history of violence. This is about protecting our communities and ensuring that the scales of justice tip toward those who've been harmed.

At the same time, we must provide adequate support to the RCMP, who serve our communities under increasingly challenging circumstances. Our growing population and infiltration by organized crime require more resources, both in personnel and in programs that target the prolific offenders responsible for a disproportionate share of the crime. We will reinstate initiatives like the Prolific Offender Management Program, which was cut under the Liberal government. That program focuses on that small group driving much of the crime and would be a smart step towards reform.

We will also explore community-based crime prevention partnerships, bringing together the RCMP, local governments, and groups to tackle underlying issues like poverty and isolation before they escalate. Whether it's property theft, violent assaults, or even dangerous driving that puts people at risk, we have laws for a reason. A Yukon Party government will prioritize enforcement, making sure that every crime is met with appropriate consequences.

Revitalizing downtown Whitehorse is another critical piece of this puzzle. Numerous independent studies have recommended decentralizing social services concentrated around areas like 405 Alexander Street, which have unintentionally become hubs for criminal activity. A thorough review of facilities like the Whitehorse Emergency Shelter will help us relocate services more effectively, freeing up the space for uses that breathe new life into the core of our city. Our vision is a downtown that's safe and welcoming again, where businesses thrive and families gather without hesitation.

No plan for public safety is complete without confronting the opioid and substance use crisis head-on. We've seen how addiction fuels so much of the crime we face, from petty theft to more serious offenses. The Yukon needs a compassionate approach that helps people heal by putting more effort towards expanding treatment options and bolstering prevention efforts. To support this, a serious crackdown on illegal drug dealers is essential. Drawing from successful models in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, we could pilot programs that offer recovery-focused alternatives for those suffering from addictions. This means expanded mental health care, addiction treatment, and aftercare so that we can break the cycle of re-offending. We need to help people heal and maintain harm reduction where it works best. Prevention, treatment, and enforcement must work in tandem to support Yukoners struggling with these issues and protect the broader community.

These ideas are just a glimpse of the sensible platform the Yukon Party will bring forward in the upcoming election. Our plan - built by listening to Yukoners - will be practical and realistic. It will focus on supporting our frontline workers and prioritizing safety. While the past several years of the Liberal-NDP coalition have seen crime rise and communities suffer, this election provides a chance for change. We believe in the resilience of our territory and its people. By working together, we can reclaim the Yukon we all know, and that we grew up loving—a place where safety is not a luxury but a right.

Currie Dixon

Leader of the Yukon Party

Whitehorse, Yukon