Federal, Yukon gov'ts agree to extend temporary worker permits

The federal and Yukon governments have brokered a new agreement to help temporary workers who, since the spring, have been caught in a holding pattern.

In May, the territory pushed pause on the Yukon Nominee Program because it was over subscribed with a growing backlog.

The program is promoted as something of a win-win, with the territory having its labour shortages filled and, in return, the permanent resident process is fast-tracked.

Affecting up to 215 workers, the agreement is basically the federal government's response to the territory's call for help.

The move affects people like Kim Inandan. Originally from the Philippines, he continues to wait for his permit to be renewed. Inandan told CBC News the deal comes as a relief.

If the agreement didn't exist, he said, "The consequences might be going back home.

"We can showcase our talent here in the Yukon."

Workers whose permits expired on May 16 or are set to expire on December 31 are eligible for a renewal. Applicants are expected to transition to permanent residency — which employers would nominate then for — next year or in 2026. The permit would be valid during that two-year period.

The agreement is not to be confused with an increase to the cap on temporary workers (the territory accepts 430 nominees per year). Instead, it's specific to workers already in the program and are relatively settled in the territory but whose permits expired.

Asked why 215 permits, a cabinet spokesperson said in an email the figure is based on estimates provided by the Chamber of Commerce, whose members considered how many workers were affected by the pause.

'Many people in tears'

MP Brendan Hanley said the deal creates more certainty for workers, many of whom were, not so long ago, distressed.

"When the pause came into effect in May, we had many people in tears in our office, who were in that unfortunate situation of having expiring work permits and no other options," he said.

"Having seen how difficult this was for both employers and for workers, I'm really glad we were able to figure out a pathway for both."

Those interested in applying for the temporary measure must submit a request, along with required documentation, to the Department of Economic Development by the deadline of Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m.

With files from Cali McTavish