On Air Now Cool Country Morning 7:00am - 10:00am

Now Playing Hosted by Carl Carpentier Cool Country Morning

Listen Live

Yukon Party Official Opposition seeks clarification over nominee program

Monday, 10 June 2024 11:03

By Panebi Wilson @chonfmpwilson

Picture of Currie Dixon in the Alexander Smith Building in Whitehorse.

It is concerning to see so many questions around a program that is so important to businesses and Yukoners.

Yukon Party Official Opposition is seeking clarification over recent comments on the status of the Yukon Nominee Program.

In a media relase, Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon said Yukon's premier Ranj Pillai needs to clarify his comments in an interview Monday, that the Nominee Program was paused because of the cap as opposed to the May 16 announcement which indicated Whitehorse applications were being shut down because of a backlog of applications.

News of the temporary pause stirred multiple reactions from business owners as they are concerned about the reason given for the pause of the program. The pause to the Yukon Nominee Program is short-sighted and heavy-handed said a Whitehorse business owner.

Yukon's premier Ranj Pillai said there's been a lot of misinformation about decision to stop accepting any new applications to the territory's nominee program this year.

While responding in an interview Monday, Pillai said the statement from the business owner was incorrect. Pillai said the pause was because the federal government has only allocated 430 spots for nominees this year in Yukon, and the territory has received 590 applications — more than enough to fill those spots.

"We are processing all of those applications so that we can fill those 430 spots. And I think as of last week we still have 300 more application or spots to fill. So, we haven't stopped our program," Pillai said.

According to Dixon, it is concerning to see so many questions around a program that is so important to businesses and Yukoners. He added It is equally concerning to see the premier go on local radio and attack the media and a private business owner.

"I hope the premier will clear the air and apologize to the business owner and media outlets" Dixon said.

The YNP is an immigration program that allows the Yukon government to nominate qualified individuals for permanent residency in Canada. The program is designed to address the unique needs of the territory and attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and their families to settle in Yukon.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election
Selkirk First Nation announces election results

Jeremy Harper was acclaimed as Chief and Rena Simon as Youth Councillor, effective February 10, 2026.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall

The federal government's First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) funding will end on March 31, 2026.
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal

Repealing the Act without consultation ignores this partnership and undermines progress made
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future

The YEU calls on the Yukon government to engage in honest, constructive discussions with health care workers and their representatives.
The Village of Haines Junction has announced the launch of a new grant program

The project has three separate streams: one to help developers build affordable rental units, one to help developers build new homes for sale, and one to help homeowners build new primary residences.
Yukon's air ambulance program gets upgrade

The new planes, equipped with advanced life support equipment
Yukon Government seeks to pause health authority implementation with legislative changes

The CCOH calls the government's actions a "troubling level of government overreach" and demands transparency.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation swears in new leadership team led by Chief Sean Smith

Sean Smith has been re-elected as Chief for a second term, alongside six Councillors
KDFN re-elect's Chief Sean Smith

Chief Sean Smith was re-elected to his position.
Teslin RCMP arrest two following search warrant

Matthew Levi Hamilton, 39, is facing seven charges, including pointing a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.
CYFN's Moccasin Mobile Outreach Program receives national recognition for harm reduction efforts

The award acknowledges the program's dedication to providing essential services, including warm clothing, meals, and cultural support, to those in need.
Winter Games Wednesday with Nancy Thompson - Wednesday 25th February (Audio)

Audio

Nancy Thompson brings a ringside look at the intense training happening in Whitehorse as wrestlers gear up for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.