Why is yukon a territory and not a province

Provincial governments receive their legislative authority from the Constitution. In the territories, legislative authority is delegated or handed down by the federal government. This process is known as devolution. Federal law allows the territories to form elected councils. These councils are given powers similar to provincial legislatures. The powers include authority over public education , health and social services ; as well as the administration of justice and municipal government.

See also Distribution of Powers. Legislative powers described in the Constitution are divided between the federal government and the provinces. See Distribution of Powers. Changing those powers requires a constitutional amendment. See Constitutional History ; Constitutional Law. The territories constitutionally fall under federal control.

Changing the powers given to territorial governments can be achieved through an Act of Parliament. Similarly, the creation of a new province requires constitutional amendment. The creation of a new territory only requires an Act of Parliament. Territorial governments are not included in the amending formula of the Constitution.

Each territory has one seat in the House of Commons and one seat in the Senate. These representatives may vote on constitutional change.

But they are not otherwise involved in the process of changing the Constitution. The Constitution Act, gives each province the power to amend the constitution as it applies to their province.

However, assent of the House of Commons and Senate is also required. Territorial constitutions are federal statutes; so only the federal Parliament can amend them. Unlike in the provinces, Crown lands in the territories were long controlled by the federal government. Yukon and Northwest Territories gained control of their lands and resources in and , respectively. The provinces are sovereign jurisdictions of the Crown in Canada.

Each provincial government is headed by a lieutenant-governor. They are a representative of the Crown. It is a largely ceremonial position; the provincial equivalent of the governor general.

Since the territories are under federal jurisdiction, they do not have Crown representatives. Territorial governments are instead headed by commissioners. They are appointed by the federal government, which the commissioner represents in the territory. However, the role of commissioner has become increasingly ceremonial as federal control over the territories devolves.

Each territorial government has an executive, legislative and judicial branch. But their political organization differs. Northwest Territories and Nunavut use consensus governments; they do not have political parties. Independent representatives are elected to the legislature.

In turn, those representatives elect a speaker , premier and cabinet ministers from among themselves. Yukon follows the party system. The leader of the political party with the most seats in the elected legislature becomes premier. He or she appoints a cabinet. It governs the territory with the confidence of the legislature.

Because the territories are geographically remote, they receive unconditional transfer payments from the federal government.

The program is similar to equalization payments , which help support public services in less prosperous provinces. TFF recognizes the higher cost of services in the North. TTF is not the only source of territorial revenue; but it does account for the majority. See also Public Finance ; Intergovernmental Finance. Devolution is the process by which the federal government delegates or downloads decision-making powers to other governments.

Through devolution, territories receive the authority to create laws within their borders. This makes them more accountable to their citizens and to local interests. See also Local Government. Since the mids, the federal government has devolved responsibilities to the governments of the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

In both territories, legislative responsibilities are now roughly the same as in the provinces, as outlined in the Constitution Act, This was a vast region covering present-day Alberta , Saskatchewan and Manitoba , northern Quebec and Ontario and the territories. It was known as the North-West Territories from to It was the first Canadian territory. It was governed by Ottawa through an appointed lieutenant-governor and an unelected council. The North-West Territories Act allowed the territory to pass ordinances relating to roads ; real estate ; inheritance ; the rights of married women; the administration of justice; and the prohibition of alcohol.

However, the federal government could change or void any ordinance. The Act also outlined the creation of an elected legislative assembly and cabinet. These were introduced by The government was given responsibilities similar to those of provincial governments. There are several other areas in which the power of the territories is not the same as that of the provinces. As well, the power of the territories to incorporate companies is restricted so that certain companies, such as those in the telephone or air transportation business, cannot be incorporated under a Territorial Act.

Another difference between the provinces and the Northwest Territories is the style of Government. The Northwest Territories and Nunavut practice Consensus Government, while Yukon and the provinces run on a political party system. Should the Northwest Territories wish to pursue provincial status, it will be necessary to amend the Constitution of Canada.

This will require consent of the Parliament of Canada and a double majority from the provinces — seven of ten provinces with at least 50 percent of the population of Canada. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. View detailed profile Advanced or search site with Search Forums Advanced.

What would it take for the Yukon to become a province and is there any advantage for it to do so? Not Likely. Have you been to the Yukon? I have, many times. Some of the most beautiful country I have seen. Rugged, and very sparsely populated. Something like half of the people there live in Whitehorse, a town that I really love to visit.

There is not much infrastructure in the Yukon. I don't see why it would become a Province and I have never heard of any movement in that direction. They do not produce much of anything for export, and are consumers mostly. Things get shipped there but little gets shipped out. By the way I am an Alaskan, the population here is about 10 times that of the Yukon, I don't claim to know much of anything about Canadian politics but Yukoners seem to be proud to be called a Territory and I don't think they want anything to change.

Originally Posted by kanhawk. The Yukon will never become a province, just like the other two territories won't, because the population is too small and it's more beneficial for the federal government to have them as a territory.