Yukon opposition MLA crosses floor to join ruling party

Darius Elias, the independent MLA for Vuntut Gwitchin has joined the governing Yukon Party caucus.

The move was announced at a news conference Monday morning. Premier Darrell Pasloski said Elias holds similar views on a number key issues facing the territory.

"I am pleased to welcome Darius Elias to our team and am confident the wealth of experience and knowledge he brings with him will assist the government caucus in its efforts to serve Yukoners,"Pasloski said.

Elias was elected under the Liberal party banner in the last two territorial elections, but quit the party almost a year ago. Since then he has sat as an independent.

"It is my duty to find the best way to serve my constituents and their interests and I believe working within the government caucus will better allow me to do that," Elias said.

This move gives the Yukon Party 12 of the 19 seats in the Yukon Legislature.