SASKATCHEWAN'S IMMIGRATION PROGRAM OPENS UP TO HELP EMPLOYERS

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is opening up to help employers bring skilled workers to our province. Effective today, Saskatchewan employers and businesses have much greater opportunity to permanently hire qualified, foreign, skilled workers under the SINP.

"The provincial government is working hard to help Saskatchewan grow by attracting immigrants to Saskatchewan," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "Under the new rules, employers can now hire qualified immigrants for most technical, trade and professional occupations in the province."

Previously, the program accepted skilled workers in 12 occupations or individual jobs where there was a demonstrated shortage. Those 12 occupations covered only about 10,000 jobs in the province, or a mere 2 per cent of Saskatchewan's labour market— compared to the estimated 200,000 jobs, or 45 per cent of the labour market, covered by the new rules.

"Today's enhancements to the Skilled Worker category will be of particular interest to Saskatchewan business people and entrepreneurs looking to expand and increase productivity through the hiring of skilled immigrant workers," Atkinson said. "Our goal is to make the SINP responsive to the needs of employers, and let them determine what occupations they wish to recruit internationally."

The expansion of the Skilled Worker category is just the latest enhancement to the province's immigration program. Over the past several months, in collaboration with employers, industry associations and the federal government, the province expanded the program to include new categories for foreign students and health professionals.

In addition, the provincial government is currently running a pilot program with the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA), aimed at attracting 240 long-haul truckers to our province to address labour needs in that important sector.

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For More Information, Contact:

Brian Miller Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-7151