Liberals officially sworn in, forming new Yukon government

Yukon Premier Sandy Silver and his cabinet have officially formedgovernment after beingsworn into office in Whitehorse Saturday afternoon.

The ceremony began at2 p.m. PT in the foyer of the main Yukon government building.

Silver appointed six cabinet ministers. They are:

• Ranj Pillai
  • Deputy Premier
  • Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources
  • Minister of Economic Development
  • Responsible for Yukon Development Corporation
  • Responsible for the Yukon Energy Corporation
• John Streicker
  • Minister of Community Services
  • Responsible for the French Language Services Directorate
  • Responsible for the Yukon Liquor Corporation
  • Responsible for the Yukon Lottery Commission
• Tracy Anne McPhee
  • Minister of Justice
  • Minister of Education
• Pauline Frost
  • Minister of Health and Social Services
  • Minister of Environment
  • Responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation
• Richard Mostyn
  • Minister of Highways and Public Works
  • Minister for the Public Service Commission
• Jeanie Dendys
  • Minister of Tourism and Culture
  • Responsible for Women's Directorate
  • Responsible for Yukon Workers Compensation Health and Safety Board

The new Liberal government is "committed to being [an] ethical, accountable, responsible government [that will] work tirelessly for the benefit of all Yukoners," said Silver, who is also the MLA for Klondike, after he officiallytook office alongside theministers.

On top of his duties as premier, Silver is also the minister responsible for the Executive Council Office and for the Department of Finance.

The remaining 10 Liberals electedweresworn in as MLAs during a ceremony in the legislative assembly chambers at 11 a.m.Saturday morning.

Nils Clarke, MLA for Riverdale North, has been nominated for Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

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This is the first time Yukon will have a premier from the Klondike riding, and also marks the second ever Liberal government since the Yukon adopted party politics in 1978.

Premier Pat Duncan headed a Liberal government from 2000 to 2002.