THE BATTLEFORDS AREA IS HOME TO NEW IMMIGRANTS

Saskatchewan has opened its doors to over 3,000 immigrants this year as part of the Government’s plan to expand the province’s labour force.  In 2006, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program issued more than 1,000 nominations, which exceeded the year’s target by more than 200.  Compared to the 401 nominations issued in 2005, this represents an increase of over 100 per cent.

Of the more than 1,000 nominees, 65 are destined for the Battlefords area.  Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson announced these numbers today at a luncheon in North Battleford hosted by the North West Regional College, the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of the Battlefords. 

“Increased immigration is a key factor in ensuring the province’s continued prosperity,” Atkinson said.  “Inviting people from around the world to build their future here in Saskatchewan will help sustain our economic growth and make life better for everyone, including new immigrants.”
 
For each nomination certificate there is one principal applicant, and on average two accompanying family members (spouse and child).

“We are well ahead of schedule to achieve our goal of welcoming 5,000 newcomers annually by 2008,” Atkinson said.

“But settling and retaining newcomers is as important as attracting them,” Atkinson said.  “We all have a role to play - governments, employers, training institutions, service providers and communities - in helping newcomers become full participants in society and the economy.” 

Settlement services in the Battlefords have increased to meet the needs of its growing immigrant community.  In September 2006, a language training project was successfully implemented at North West Regional College under the Government of Saskatchewan’s Cost-Shared Language Training Fund initiative.  In November 2006, the Province contributed $10,000, which was matched by the Battlefords business community, to fund a part-time immigration co-ordinator position on a one-year pilot-project basis. 

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is a Saskatchewan-administered immigration program that provides an alternative and fast-tracked means of entry for immigrants who intend to settle in the province.  Individuals interested in immigrating to Saskatchewan or finding out more about the program can visit www.immigrationsask.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jill Tzupa
Advanced Education and Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jtzupa@sasked.gov.sk.ca