SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRATION AGENCIES

Immigrants and refugees to Saskatchewan will have an easier time accessing the services they need thanks to a grant provided by the government of Saskatchewan.

Today Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Eldon Lautermilch announced a grant of $45,000 to the Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement and Integration Agencies (SAISIA). The funds will be used to improve information available for immigrants and refugees coming to the province and improve access to services.

"Newcomers and service agencies have told us that meaningful employment and career opportunities are the most important issues facing newcomers, and that government, local agencies and communities need to focus and better co-ordinate their efforts to address these issues," Lautermilch said.

"With this funding SAISIA will enhance the information resources for newcomers and the co-ordination among service agencies and other service providers."

The initiatives will be taken on over the next several months and will focus on implementing the recommendations of a provincial study released earlier this year to determine ways to better settle refugees and immigrants in our province.

A portion of the funding will also support SAISIA's member organizations participation in the Planning Council and local Co-ordinating Committees that will look at settlement and retention issues on both a provincial and local basis.

The members of the Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement Agencies are the Prince Albert Multicultural Council, the Regina Open Door Society, the Saskatoon Open Door Society and the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-2687 Email: aarneson@graa.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)533-2168