SASKATCHEWAN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT FOREIGN WORKERS AND IMMIGRANTS

The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act received first reading in the Saskatchewan Legislature today. The intent of the legislation is to protect foreign workers and immigrants against abuse and exploitation. It will also improve transparency and accountability when being recruited to work in Saskatchewan or in the process of immigrating to the province.

"This is a critical new piece of legislation," Minister responsible for Immigration Bill Boyd said. "In recent years, we have seen many instances of mistreatment of foreign nationals that will be stopped by this Act."

Since 2007, approximately 39,000 immigrants have made this province home. Last year the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program nominated 4,000 principal applicants, which with accompanying family members will result in 12,000 new residents. These increasing numbers mean more people are vulnerable to mistreatment when they are recruited or immigrate here.

The Ministry of the Economy's Program Integrity Unit received a total of 335 foreign worker case files for the period August 2008 to August 2012; 30 per cent were not covered by any existing federal or provincial legislation.

"Saskatchewan will require as many as 75,000 to 90,000 skilled workers in the next five years," Boyd said. "Skilled foreign workers are a key element of our labour market strategy, as laid out in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth by the Premier in October."

Five Canadian provincial jurisdictions have some form of regulation of foreign worker recruiters, immigration consultants or employers of foreign workers. Saskatchewan's legislation will provide the most comprehensive protection in Canada.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@enterprisesask.ca