The Premier of Yukon (or unofficially, the Premier of the Yukon) is the first minister for the Canadianterritory of Yukon. They are the territory's head of government and de facto chief executive, although their powers are considerably smaller than that of a provincial premier. The office was established in 1979 when most authority was devolved from the appointed Commissioner to the leader of the party that had the confidence of the legislature; for the year immediately prior to this, that leader was one of the members serving with the Commissioner's executive committee (a cabinet).
From 1979 to 1989 and from 1992 to 2000, the term Government Leader was used instead. Tony Penikett chose to change the title to "Premier" amid some controversy. His successor, John Ostashek, returned to the "Government Leader." While Ostashek's successor Piers McDonald stuck with Government Leader, his successor, Pat Duncan decided to go with Premier and it has been Premier ever since.
The current Premier of Yukon is Darrell Pasloski, since June 11, 2011.
