PREMIER AND MINISTER NORRIS INVITING LABOUR, INVESTMENT FROM EUROPE TO SASKATCHEWAN

Premier Brad Wall departs today for London, U.K. where he will spend two days outlining the Saskatchewan Advantage to investors March 1-2. He will then join Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris in Dublin, Ireland on March 3 at a labour recruitment mission to help fill the ranks of the province's skilled workforce.

"In this time of economic turmoil and uncertainty European investors and businesses are looking for a safe, stable and secure financial climate, and Saskatchewan is a wise choice," Wall said. "Billions are already being invested in our province over the next decade, and we're inviting others to come and join in the opportunity and excitement."

Wall will meet with representatives of large multinationals based in the U.K. with interests in Saskatchewan (BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and AMEC) as well as with His Excellency Gordon Campbell, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Premier Wall will also deliver a keynote address to a luncheon hosted by the Canada-U.K. Chamber of Commerce to promote Saskatchewan's growth and opportunity.

Minister Norris is leading a delegation of 27 Saskatchewan employers to the Working Abroad Expo in Dublin and Cork, which will feature a Saskatchewan pavilion that has more than 275 skilled jobs available immediately for Irish workers. Candidates who receive an offer of employment will work with immigration officers to apply to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

"There is a tremendous pool of qualified skilled workers in Ireland who are actively seeking opportunities abroad," Norris said. "The mission will connect the people with the Saskatchewan jobs they need."

On March 5 and 6, Norris will also lead a brief mission to The Netherlands for meetings with representatives from Holland's industrial, governmental and research communities. While in The Hague, Rotterdam and Delft, Norris will focus on specific subjects; clean coal technologies, peaceful nuclear research, health research in neuroscience as well as biotechnology.

Norris will also participate in the signing of two agreements involving the Regina-based Petroleum Technology Research Centre and its Dutch partners.

While in Europe, both Wall and Norris will focus on the high quality of life and growth-oriented economy in Saskatchewan.

"With record population growth and employment, an upgrade to AAA status from international financial firm Standard & Poor's, and billions in infrastructure and resource development, we have important things to tell the world," Wall said.

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For more information, contact:

Ian Hanna
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0864
Email: ian.hanna@gov.sk.ca

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926
Email: bill.stovin@gov.sk.ca