Kate White (politician)

White first entered territorial politics in the 2006 election, when she ran in the riding of Porter Creek Centre for the Yukon New Democratic Party against incumbent Yukon Party Cabinet minister Archie Lang. She finished third.

In 2011, she ran again for the NDP in the newly created riding of Takhini-Kopper King, defeating former Whitehorse City Councillor Samson Hartland to win the riding. She was part of the Official Opposition in the 33rd Legislative Assembly served on the Standing Committee on Appointments to Major Government Boards and Committees.[2] She was re-elected in 2016 election, defeating popular Yukon Olympian and Liberal candidate Jeane Lassen. She was one of just two New Democrat caucus members to be re-elected in that election, which was the party's worst showing since 1978.

White is the Yukon New Democratic Party caucus critic for the Department of Community Services, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Environment, the Yukon Housing Corporation, the Women's Directorate, the French Language Services Directorate, the Yukon Development Corporation, the Yukon Energy Corporation, and the Yukon Lottery Commission. She is also the Third Party House Leader and sits on the Standing Committee on Statutory Instruments and the Standing Committee on Appointments to Major Government Boards and Committees.[3]

On February 1, 2019, White announced her intent to succeed Liz Hanson as Leader of the Yukon New Democratic Party.[4]

In May 2019, White was acclaimed as the new party leader, replacing Hanson.[5]

She is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for the rights of mobile home owners within her riding, which contains three mobile home parks.

Before entering politics, White earned a culinary diploma and a Red Seal in baking. She has also worked in the mining industry and as a life skills coach with women within the Yukon's correctional system.

She is bilingual in English and French.