News

Yukon sees more temporary foreign workers, fewer nominees

posted on September 3, 2014

By CBC News | Link to Article

The number of temporary foreign workers coming to Yukon is on the rise. That’s in sharp contrast to workers coming in through the territory’s nominee program, which allows foreign workers to eventually become citizens.

By CBC News | Link to Article

The number of temporary foreign workers coming to Yukon is on the rise. That’s in sharp contrast to workers coming in through the territory’s nominee program, which allows foreign workers to eventually become citizens.

In 2010, only 42 people were approved through the temporary foreign worker program. In 2012, that number reached 95. Last year, the federal government approved 70 applicants.

The number of nominee workers coming into the territory has been dropping steadily over the last five years, from 157 in 2009 to just 65 people this year.

The Yukon Education department handles immigration in the territory.

Department spokesperson Mark Hill says the decline is directly related to a downturn in the economy.

“When the economy isn’t growing by leaps and bounds, it’s easier for employers to find workers. In addition, it’s a nominee program, as opposed to a temporary foreign worker program, so those people are staying. They’re becoming permanent residents staying in out workforce.”

NDP Leader Liz Hanson is concerned about the trend.

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