Yukon Government sign outside the Jim Smith Building in downtown Whitehorse. CKRW File Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke.
Whitehorse, YT – The Yukon Government is working on improvements to the Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) following an Auditor General’s audit that raised concerns about the program’s integrity.
Officials say there are collaborative efforts with industry associations to enhance resources for the immigration branch, improve service standards and increase transparency in the application process.
Yukon’s nominee allocation for 2025 has been reduced to 215, half of what it was in 2024.
“You’ve seen the federal government reduce the number of nominees that can come in,” said Premier Ranj Pillai. “For us, I think it’s about putting the right resources, being absolutely transparent about the changes we’re making, and communicating it to the public.”
The program is currently undergoing a review to assess its design and the adequacy of government resources.
Findings from a performance audit of the program done by the Auditor General exposed serious flaws in the program’s operation.
The Auditor General’s performance audit revealed significant flaws, including weak oversight, poor decision-making processes, and insufficient safeguards against fraud and conflicts of interest.
A letter from the Auditor General’s office, dated January 14th, highlighted low confidence in the program among stakeholders, including past and current nominees and employers.
Yukon Party Leader Currie Dixon called for swift action to restore confidence in the program.
“It’s clear from what the Auditor General has said to restore faith in this program,” said Dixon. “This is serious stuff. I mean the Auditor General is using words like ‘corruption’ and ‘fraud’, it’s serious. We need to see confidence renewed in these programs.”
Yukon NDP Leader Kate White voiced concern over the Auditor General’s findings but noted that issues with the program have been present for years.
