Yukon government to investigate foreign worker complaints

The Yukon government is investigating complaints from some foreign workers.

Filipinos who work at Tag's convenience store in Whitehorse told CBC News their employer is abusing their rights.

The workers said they have to pay cash back to their employer, Preet Sidhu, after depositing their pay cheques. They say they also have to pay him for their airfare to Whitehorse.

Two of the workers had complained to the nominee program – they were told there wasn't enough evidence to support an investigation.

But, after hearing CBC's story, Education Minister Scott Kent, who is responsible for the nominee program, immediately ordered the investigation be reopened.

"The fact that there was two new complainants that surfaced in your story is something that gives us enough impetus to reopen the file, to reopen the investigation," he said.

Kent said he was unaware of any complaints until he heard the CBC story.

Meanwhile, NDP education critic Lois Moorcroft said foreign workers are vulnerable and need protection.

"We would like to see the government demonstrate how they are ensuring that all workers' rights are respected," she said.

Moorcroft is calling for an audit of the nominee program, which started in 2007.

Kent said that is not something he's considering right now.