Tony Penikett (born 1938) is a Canadian politician and former journalist who served as the third Premier of Yukon from 1989 to 1992 and later as the mayor of Whitehorse from 2000 to 2006. He is notable for leading the Yukon New Democratic Party (NDP) to its first government and for his contributions to the development of self‑government for Yukon First Nations.
Early life and education
Penikett was born in 1938 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He moved to the Yukon in the early 1960s, where he pursued a career in broadcasting, working as a reporter and news director for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in Whitehorse.
Political career
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Yukon Legislative Assembly (1982–1996)
Penikett was first elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly in the 1982 territorial election, representing the riding of Whitehorse South Centre as a member of the NDP. He was re‑elected in subsequent elections (1985, 1989). -
Leader of the Yukon NDP (1981–1995)
He became leader of the Yukon New Democratic Party in 1981. Under his leadership, the NDP formed the territory’s first party‑government in 1989. -
Premier of Yukon (1989–1992)
As premier, Penikett’s government focused on fiscal responsibility, economic diversification, and advancing land‑claim agreements with First Nations. His administration negotiated the Yukon Land Claims Agreement, which laid the groundwork for modern self‑government arrangements for Yukon First Nations. -
Post‑premiership
After stepping down as premier in 1992, Penikett remained active in territorial politics and public service. He was elected mayor of Whitehorse in the 2000 municipal election and served two terms until 2006. During his mayoralty, he oversaw urban development projects and advocated for improved municipal‑provincial relations.
Later activities and honours
Following his municipal service, Penikett served on several boards and commissions, including the Yukon Energy Corporation and the Federal‑Provincial‑Territorial Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. He has been recognized for his contributions to Yukon politics and Indigenous relations, receiving the Order of Yukon in 2023.
Personal life
Penikett is married and has been involved in community volunteering, particularly in initiatives supporting youth and cultural heritage in Yukon.
Legacy
Tony Penikett is regarded as a pivotal figure in Yukon’s modern political history, credited with guiding the territory through a period of constitutional change and economic transition, and for his role in fostering collaborative relationships between the territorial government and First Nations.
