Yukon NDP unveils campaign platform, pledges to cover tuition, tax outside workers

The coat of arms of Yukon is seen on the outside of the Yukon Legislative Building in Whitehorse, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Yukon’s New Democrats are promising millions of dollars in new programming if they are elected next month, including covering tuition for health care and education students, as long as they work in the territory for five years after graduation.

The party says it will pay for the tuition at Yukon University in part with a two per cent tax on those who fly in and out of the territory for work but file their taxes elsewhere.

The NDP was the first of the two opposition parties to roll out its election platform, less than two weeks before the Nov. 3 election day.

Other promises in the document include a universal school nutrition program, a 50-unit medical travel lodge offering free stays for people coming to Whitehorse for care, and a pledge to raise mining royalties.

The costed platform promises nearly $90 million in new investments this year if the NDP is elected.

The Yukon Party, which is also campaigning to replace the territory’s Liberal government, is also expected to release its platform today.

Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press