SASKATCHEWAN ATTRACTS MORE NURSES AND DOCTORS

More foreign-trained nurses and doctors are coming to practise in Saskatchewan. This comes after the province made it possible for nurses and doctors practising under a temporary work permit to apply for landed immigrant status through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

Since expanding the program to include a Health Professions category, the province has nominated 17 nurses and 107 doctors from South Africa, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and elsewhere. The province began nominating physicians in June 2002 and included nurses in September 2003.

"The provincial government is pleased to assist foreign-born professionals obtain landed immigrant status who have chosen to make Saskatchewan their home," Minister Responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "These professionals bring valuable skills and abilities to Saskatchewan, enhancing our health system and bolstering our labour market."

Applicants nominated under the Health Professions category generally attain their landed immigrant status much more quickly than through the usual immigration processes. This improves Saskatchewan's ability to attract and retain health care professionals to the province.

"We welcome nurses and physicians who choose to come to Saskatchewan from other countries and contribute to our health care system," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Through this program, we are helping meet the need for health care providers in the province – a key goal of our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care."

Saskatchewan has an immigration agreement with the federal government that allows the province to identify and nominate potential immigrants who meet provincial priorities and eligibility criteria. Provincial nominees are then expedited through federal immigration processing.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083

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