The Yukon government has increased the Yukon Nominee Program immigration slot.
This is in response to labour shortage and a growing demand of foreign workers by businesses in the territory, per a Nov. 23 statement.
The statement said the territorial government advocated with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for an increased allocation in the 2023 Yukon Nominee Program. The territory received an additional 150 slots, bringing the total allocation for 2023 to 580.
Before the addition, the Yukon’s base allocation for 2023 was increased in March 2023, from 300 to 430.
Every year, the Yukon receives allocations from the federal government under the Provincial Nominee Program. This allocation informs how many applications the territory can approve in a year.
The Yukon’s department of Economic Development administers two immigration programs – the Yukon Nominee Program and the Yukon Business Nominee Program in partnership with the IRCC.
In 2022, the nominee program utilized its full annual allocations for the second time since the program was established in 2007. The program is for economic immigration and is meant to be used when local or Canadian workers cannot be found in the existing workforce.
The program allows qualified foreign nationals the opportunity to work in the Yukon with the long-term goal of establishing themselves as permanent residents of Canada.
With the increased allocation, employers may be able to fill positions with foreign nationals who intend to settle in the Yukon, strengthening the territory’s workforce, the statement reads.
“Increases to the allocation under this program are a direct result of the Yukon government’s continued advocacy and collaboration with the federal government.”
The statement noted that economic immigration is an essential tool for businesses to meet their labour needs when they are unable to find local workers to fill positions, adding that it “is also crucial for helping develop a labour force that supports investment and economic growth.”
Premier Ranj Pillai said the allocation is beneficial for businesses and good news for Yukoners.
“These 150 new workers will contribute to the overall wellbeing and vibrancy of the Yukon and I thank the Government of Canada for listening to the needs of Yukon businesses,” he said in the statement. “Our government will continue to advocate for effective immigration tools to assist Yukon businesses with their labour needs. I look forward to welcoming newcomers as they experience the magic and the mystery of the Yukon.”
Contact Patrick Egwu at patrick.egwu@yukon-news.com