INCREASED FUNDING TO HELP IMMIGRANTS SETTLE IN SASKATCHEWAN

The province is providing $150,000 in additional funding to four settlement agencies that help immigrants stay in Saskatchewan.

"One of the biggest issues in increasing immigration to Saskatchewan is helping them get established in the province," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "Immigrants come to Saskatchewan to contribute to our labour force and economy. This funding will help keep them here by assisting the agencies that work with immigrants to help them settle in and integrate into our communities."

Regina and Saskatoon Open Door Societies will receive $50,000 in new funding each , and $25,000 will go to each of Moose Jaw and Prince Albert Multicultural Councils. The funding is part of the increased resources put toward the provincial immigration program in 2005/06. The four settlement agencies also receive other funding from both the federal and provincial governments. "These agencies are critical partners to a successful immigration strategy for Saskatchewan," Atkinson added.

This funding addresses recommendations in the 2003 report Open Up Saskatchewan. The report recommended increasing immigration to Saskatchewan and adding resources to retain newcomers to the province.

Typical services of the Open Doors and Multicultural Councils include English language training, skills training, assistance with immigration of family members and case by case assistance to help immigrants settle down to a new life in Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-5609 Cell: (306) 535-2261