Governance in Yukon’s second-largest municipality, Dawson City, has come to a standstill after the newly elected mayor and council refused to pledge allegiance to King Charles during their swearing-in ceremony on Nov. 5. The mayor-elect, Stephen Johnson, along with four council members, decided to take a stand against Canada’s official oath to the monarch due to the Crown’s history with Indigenous populations. This refusal has left the council unable to proceed with their municipal duties, as they await a response from the Department of Community Services regarding their request to take an alternative oath. Without taking the required oaths, the council’s election may be considered null and void, potentially leading to a by-election.
Under the Yukon’s Municipal Act, elected officials are mandated to take the Oath of Allegiance and an oath of office. The Oath of Allegiance requires councillors to swear or affirm their loyalty to King Charles III and his successors according to the law. Failure to take these oaths within 40 days after the election could result in their election being deemed void and their positions becoming vacant. Johnson mentioned that the territory is seeking to avoid a by-election, and they are waiting for a response from Community Services. The standoff arose from a council decision to support a member, Darwyn Lynn, who expressed discomfort in pledging allegiance to the Crown due to its historical impact on Indigenous Peoples.
Dawson City, with a population of almost 2,400, is known as the heart of the world-famous Klondike Gold Rush that began in 1896. The region attracted an estimated 100,000 people in search of gold, leading to the displacement of Indigenous communities like the Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation, on whose traditional land Dawson is located. This historical context has influenced the council’s decision to resist the Oath of Allegiance and seek an alternative oath. The council’s refusal is not meant to disrespect King Charles or provoke a national debate on the monarchy but rather to show solidarity within their community.
The territory is currently reviewing council’s request for a different oath, with no timeline provided for when the review will be complete. In the past, Canada’s leaders have questioned the Oath of Allegiance, with a recent example being a bill introduced in Parliament to allow parliamentarians to opt out of swearing the oath. The House of Commons states that the oath signifies allegiance to the institutions the Sovereign represents, including the concept of democracy, and members pledge to act in the best interests of the country. The oath serves as a reminder to members of their serious obligations and responsibilities while holding public office.
The refusal to pledge allegiance to King Charles highlights a broader conversation about Canada’s historical treatment of Indigenous Peoples and the role of the monarchy in Indigenous territories. By taking a stand against the Oath of Allegiance, the Dawson City council is drawing attention to the need for reconciliation and a more inclusive approach to governance that respects the diverse histories and perspectives of all residents. The council’s decision has led to a pause in municipal activities, highlighting the importance of addressing historical injustices and working towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all Canadians. As the territory evaluates the council’s request for an alternative oath, the outcome of this standoff could have implications for governance practices in Yukon and beyond.
