GRAND OPENING OF SOUTHEAST NEWCOMER SERVICE CENTRE IN ESTEVAN

Today the provincially-funded Southeast Newcomer Service Centre held its official grand opening in Estevan, providing newcomers to the province with access to settlement information, community resources and government services.

"The Regional Newcomer Gateway program reinforces the Government of Saskatchewan's commitment to developing a strong labour force and maintaining dynamic and diverse communities by ensuring focused, effective and welcoming settlement services for newcomers to the province," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "The Southeast Newcomer Service Centre is a critical element in supporting our newest neighbours in the Estevan area."

One of 11 Regional Newcomer Gateways throughout the province, the Southeast Newcomer Service Centre will support individuals and families from approximately 55 communities within a 150 kilometre radius of Estevan. The centre, which is a partnership with the Southeast Regional College, will co-ordinate the delivery of vital newcomer services for the region.

"The Southeast Newcomer Service Centre is providing essential services such as language assessment and other early settlement supports to immigrants and their families," Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles said. "Since 2005 we have welcomed nearly 500 newcomers to the region. As that number continues to grow, the services provided by the centre will play an even more crucial role in shaping our community."

The Southeast Newcomer Service Centre is located at 255 Spruce Drive in Estevan.

More information about Regional Newcomer Gateway's across the province is available online at www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Richelle Bourgoin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8153
Email: richelle.bourgoin@gov.sk.ca