More than a quarter of Yukon’s 21 MLAs, totaling 28.6 percent, are either landlords themselves or have partners who are landlords. This includes four MLAs from the government and two from the NDP. As a result, they could be directly impacted by the proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, which aim to rebalance the rental market.
During the recent legislative session, Community Services Minister Cory Bellmore introduced a bill to modify the act by eliminating rent caps and allowing evictions without cause. The opposition, particularly the Yukon Party, which holds a significant majority, has expressed concerns about the changes. Opposition Leader Kate White raised questions about potential conflicts of interest among Yukon Party MLAs who are landlords and suggested they should abstain from voting on the amendments.
White emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts, real or perceived, especially when it affects tenants’ housing affordability and security. She urged transparency in disclosing any potential conflicts before the final vote on the legislation, which is expected to take place later this fall.
MLAs are required to disclose if they rent out properties in the territory before the vote. These disclosures are made through official forms, which also seek information on other affiliations with businesses or organizations. The filled-out forms are securely stored in the legislative assembly office and can be reviewed by authorized individuals upon request, albeit with restrictions on copying or photographing the content.
According to Tim Kucharuk, the press secretary for the Yukon Party caucus, four out of 14 Yukon Party MLAs have confirmed their status as landlords. In contrast, the Yukon NDP has disclosed that one of their MLAs is a landlord, while another MLA’s spouse owns rental property. The Yukon Liberals confirmed that their sole MLA is not a landlord.
The territory’s conflict of interest commissioner declined to comment but reportedly informed MLAs that voting on changes to the Residential Tenancies Act does not pose a conflict of interest as the legislation applies universally. This decision was based on the understanding that the amendments affect all landlords and tenants equally, akin to how tax legislation impacts everyone, allowing MLAs to make impartial decisions on the matter.
