HELPING IMMIGRANTS MAKE SASKATOON THEIR HOME

Refugees and immigrants living in Saskatoon and getting help from the Saskatoon Open Door Society to establish homes, educate their children and find jobs will benefit from a provincial government grant.

"The provincial government is committed to enhancing the quality of life and strengthening Saskatchewan communities," Finance Minister Jim Melenchuk said, on behalf of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Eldon Lautermilch. "Support of groups such as the Saskatoon Open Door Society is one way to welcome new families into our communities and help them in their immediate transition."

Today, the Saskatoon Open Door Society received $35,000 from the Saskatchewan Immigrant Settlement Assistance Program.

"The Saskatoon Open Door Society provides services for all refugees and immigrants in Saskatoon and surrounding area," Executive Director Jan Katerynych said. "We appreciate the continued support from the provincial government to help us continue our work."

The Immigrant Settlement Assistance Program provides financial assistance to recognized community agencies that help immigrants and refugees settle into their new surroundings by providing services such as arranging accommodation and providing English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

The program allows newcomers to fully participate in the benefits of being a resident of Saskatchewan. It also helps build independent families as they become integrated into the workforce and contributing members of the province's economy and society.

"Saskatchewan is a great place to live, work and do business and we want immigrants to be able to experience this first hand," Melenchuk said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8008