Essential Workers Support Program

Friday, 22 May 2020 19:15

Minister of Economic Development, Ranj Pillai announced a new program to support workers in the delivery of essential services during COVID-19.

The Yukon Essential Workers Income Support Program will provide low-income essential workers with a wage subsidy of up to $4.00 per hour to a maximum of $20.00 per hour for up to 16 weeks. All services identified as critical or essential in the Guidelines for the delivery of critical, essential and other services are eligible. Employers may choose when the 16 week benefit is applied between March 15, 2020, and October 3, 2020.

This funding will also be applied in partnership with the newly announced wage subsidy for critical and essential service positions through the Department of Education's Staffing Up labour market funding program. Through these two programs, Yukon employers may be eligible to receive up to $20.00 per hour for each new summer student position, to a maximum of 40 hours per week and 16 weeks of employment.

Minister of Economic Development, Ranj Pillai said in a statement, Yukon's essential workers have continued to offer the services and goods that we all need in our daily lives. From delivering goods to businesses throughout the territory, to keeping shelves stocked with the food and supplies we need, front-line workers are making sure our communities stay strong and connected. Our government is pleased to offer them financial support during these challenging times.

Workers eligible for this program must make a base wage of no more than $20.00 per hour. Workers will receive a top-up of either $4.00 per hour or an amount that brings their wage to $20.00 per hour, whichever is less.

The Yukon Essential Workers Income Support Program is available to both full time and part time employees. Employees using this program must not have accessed the Canada Emergency Response Benefit during the same period.

This program will be provided based on funding and approval from the Government of Canada. Several other Canadian jurisdictions have implemented similar programs to support essential workers. Employers can contact the Department of Economic Development to start an application:

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