Referendum for schools on joining the First Nation School Board

The following school communities are voting on whether thier school will be operated by the First Nation School Board:

• Del Van Gorder in Faro
• Eliza Van Bibber in Pelly Crossing
• Ghùch Tlâ Community School in Carcross
• Kluane Lake School in Destruction Bay

Official Results

In-person voting options:

Thursday, February 16 to Thursday, February 23:

• By appointment with the Referendum Officer in your community
• In the Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse (lower level) - 2071 Second Ave from 10 AM to 4 PM

Saturday, Feb. 25 - Early Voting:

•  At schools holding a referendum vote from 11 AM to 4 PM

Monday, Feb. 27 - Polling Day:

• At schools holding a referendum vote from 3 PM to 8 PM
• In the Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse (lower level) - 2071 Second Ave from 10 AM to 8 PM

Referendum Officers

For more information on Referendums or the voting process, contact Elections Yukon:

schools@electionsyukon.ca
867-667-8683 or 1-866-668-8683 (toll-free)

Mail-in Ballot

Applications for mail-in ballots are now closed.

Electors who applied for mail-in ballots may return them:

• to thier local referendum officer
• by mailing to Elections Yukon
• to Elections Yukon's Office in Whitehorse

Note: all ballots must be received by 8 PM on Monday, February 27.

Key Dates

Thursday, February 16 to Monday, February 27, 2023 – Referendum Voting Period: 

• Eligible electors will have multiple options to cast their vote:
  • Mail-in ballots (applications close Thursday, February 16)
  • Early voting in person (Saturday, February 25)
  • Polling Day (Monday, February 27) and;
  • Walk-in service at Elections Yukon

Monday, February 27, 2023 - Polling Day: 

• Final day for eligible electors to cast their vote.
• Polling will close at 8:00 PM with unofficial results being posted as they are reported.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – Official Addition: 

• Official results released.
• Schools joining the First Nation School Board will for the start of the 2023-24 school year.

For more information on Referendums or the voting process, contact Elections Yukon:

info@electionsyukon.ca
867-667-8683 or 1-866-668-8683 (toll-free)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you agree that this school should be operated by the First Nation School Board?
Yes       No

A ‘yes’ vote means that the elector wants the school to be operated by the First Nation School Board. This change would take place at the start of the 2023/24 school year.

A ‘no’ vote means that the elector would like the school to continue to be operated by the Department of Education with school councils.

Eligibility is the same as for school council elections.

To be eligible to vote in a school referendum, electors must be a Canadian citizen and as of polling day must be:

• At least 18 years of age; and
• Either:
  • a resident in the school attendance area for three or more months, and/or
  • a parent¹ of a student who attends the school.

¹ Parent refers to the biological parents, the adoptive parents by custom or otherwise, the persons legally entitled to custody, or the persons who usually have the care and control of the child.

Referendums are being held in the school attendance areas where the Minister has been requested by school council resolution or by school community petition to hold a vote on whether the school should be a part of the First Nation School Board.

Schools requiring a referendum vote have either submitted to the Minister:

• A resolution from school council to hold a vote on whether the school should be part of the First Nation School Board; or
• A petition from the community, signed by at least 20% of eligible electors in the attendance area.

Schools not having a referendum vote did not submit to the Minister of Education a resolution by school council or a petition by the community.

The vote needed is 50% + 1 from the school community. If it is not met, the school will remain under a school council. 

Call Elections Yukon at (867) 667-8683