HELPING IMMIGRANTS MAKE MOOSE JAW THEIR HOME

Immigrants and refugees living in Moose Jaw and the surrounding area will have an easier time accessing the services they need, thanks to a grant provided by the government of Saskatchewan.

Today, the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council received $15,000 under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Settlement Assistance Program.

"Saskatchewan is a multicultural province," Labour Minister and Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins said, on behalf of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Eldon Lautermilch. "I am pleased that the provincial government is supporting community organizations that welcome new families into our communities and help them in their immediate transition. Saskatchewan is a great place to live, work and play and we want immigrants to be able to experience this first hand."

"The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council can be proud of its role in encouraging an understanding and appreciation of our cultural diversity," Community Resources and Employment Minister and Moose Jaw North MLA Glenn Hagel said. "We congratulate the Board of Directors and staff for their dedication to making our city a welcoming place for immigrants and refugees."

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.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5959