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Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton criticizes federal cuts to immigration program

Friday, 25 July 2025 13:02

By Panebi Wilson X @chonfmpwilson

Prime Minister Mark Carney with Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton during the Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario.  (Panebi Wilson/ CHON-FM news. Photo: Mike Pemberton's Facebook)

The reduction has caused operational struggles and difficulties in retaining committed staff. 

Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton expressed his opposition to the federal government's sudden cuts to the Yukon nominee program during the Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario. 

The meeting, which took place from July 21-23, brought together premiers from across Canada, including Pemberton, to discuss key issues affecting the provinces and territories. Pemberton condemned the 50% cut to the program, which reduced the number of spots from 430 to 215.

He described the cuts as "arbitrary" and "unfair," highlighting the impact on immigrant workers who had already begun their education and work permits in the Yukon. The premier argued that the cuts will harm Yukon businesses and the economy, particularly given the territory's low unemployment rate of 3.9%. 

A local hiring manager, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their concerns about the impact of the nominee program cuts on their business. They revealed that the reduction has caused operational struggles and difficulties in retaining committed staff. 

"It's because we do not have the people in the nominee anymore. We have all Canadians or permanent residents who are coming and calling in sick, don't want to come today, or already have a second job.  When you have the people in the program, they work very, very hard to become a Canadian citizen and stay on even afterward, even if it's part-time."

The hiring manager expressed hope that if the original allocation is restored, it would greatly benefit their company, particularly since they didn't lose previous nominees who have since obtained permanent residency.

"The business would run again smoothly, like we don't have to worry constantly who will work on what day, like weekends are a complete disaster. We need the program, but as it stands right now, I mean for us, we weren't even considered for one person this year. We did not lose any of the people who became permanent residents with us. We didn't lose them. They are still with us part-time. Of course, if they had a chance to get a government job or so, they went for it, but they are still part-time with us, which is great."

Pemberton is urging the federal government to reinstate the program's original allocation, emphasizing its importance for economic growth and addressing regional labor market needs.

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