Whitehorse city council has unanimously passed a motion asking the territorial justice minister to add property crime to the Yukon’s policing priorities. The motion also asks that the territory provide for more funding for the Yukon RCMP division to provide more resources for Whitehorse RCMP.
Laking told the News the motion was motivated by reports of increased crime in the community over the summer. He referenced Statistics Canada data showing Yukon’s 2023 property crime rate to be 235 per cent higher than the national average, which is calculated on a per-capita basis out of 100,000 people.
The Yukon property crime rate has also increased 19 per cent since 2013, while the national average has increased 7.5 per cent. The most recent data provided is from 2023.
Over a longer period of 20 years starting in 2003, the property crime rate in the Yukon has dropped 15 per cent, with Canada’s property crime rate dropping 36 per cent since 2003.
According to Statistics Canada, the total crime rate in the Yukon actually dropped 6 per cent in 2023 compared to 2013, while the national total crime rate increased 12 per cent in the same period.
The crime severity index increased 29 per cent to 218.8 since 2013 in the Yukon, and 17 per cent to 80.5 overall in Canada. The crime severity index is a measure of police-reported crime in an area, taking into account the severity of each crime relative to the census population for the area. Statistics Canada says the crime severity index is “not intended to be used in isolation or as a universal indicator of an area's overall safety.”
In August, Whitehorse RCMP reported an increase in break-and-enters and vehicle thefts, among other types of property crime. At a press conference later that month, RCMP confirmed that half of reported crime in Whitehorse took place downtown, similar to previous years.
The RCMP statistics were invoked by Joel Gaetz, a delegate from the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce. He said crime is affecting the safety of business staff. He said shoplifting and break and enters have become brazen. He said tourists witness alcohol use and drug use in the street.
Gaetz also said the crime is costing Whitehorse businesses thousands of dollars a day in lost inventory, damage to property, as well as additions of new security features.
“Where is the government's response? Where is the justice system and where is the law and order that we expect from our governments to provide?” he said.
Upon questioning from Mayor Laura Cabott, Gaetz did say the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce had not addressed these concerns directly with the federal justice system. The chamber does have regular meetings with RCMP, and has met with the territorial government, Gaetz said.
However, Gaetz underlined his intent to represent business support for Laking’s motion. Approximately 40 people attended the meeting.
During discussion, Cabott wondered if the motion was necessary. She said in recent meetings between RCMP and city council, RCMP did not ask for more funding. She noted RCMP have historically asked for support for those who are homeless or suffering from substance abuse.
At a press conference in August, Whitehorse RCMP detachment commander Jill McLaren said there isn’t a police commander in this day and age who wouldn’t appreciate more officers, but her detachment is able to manage with the staff they have.
Coun. Michelle Friesen noted Laking’s motion says inadequate policing, poverty and addiction are the root causes of crime, but the motion resolution does not offer any action to address poverty or addiction.
While supportive of the motion’s intentions, Friesen said RCMP are not within council’s jurisdiction. However, housing, cost of living and youth programming are, Friesen said.
According to Statistics Canada, the Yukon leads the nation in the youth crime severity index.
Despite Friesen and Cabott’s concerns, both contributed to a unanimous passage of the motion.
Contact Talar Stockton at talar.stockton@yukon-news.com
