SASKATCHEWAN ATTRACTING MORE IMMIGRANT FARMERS

Saskatchewan's immigration program is working to bring more immigrant farmers into the province to help bolster Saskatchewan's agricultural economy.

"Since the establishment of a new category for farm owner-operators in 2002, the province has nominated 20 immigrant farmers from the United Kingdom, Germany and elsewhere," Immigration Minister Pat Atkinson said. "Many of these farmers have already landed in Saskatchewan and have settled here with their spouses, children and other family members."

In addition to the 20 farmer nominees, more than 50 family members have also either settled in Saskatchewan or are making arrangements to move here.

Several more farmers from the U.K. who are thinking about immigrating to Saskatchewan met today with Atkinson and provincial immigration officials at the Western Canada Farm Progress Show in Regina. They were joined by a number of farmers and family members who have already used the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to immigrate to the province.

Established in 2002, the SINP's farm owner-operator category was one of the first examples of Saskatchewan's immigration program being opened up to bring more people to the province. Last month, a new category for foreign students was also established.

Over the coming months, the program will also be opened up to more skilled workers and business people.

The province's target for 2004-05 is 300 nominations, a significant increase over past years.

"I'm confident that the ongoing enhancements to our immigration program will enable us to meet or exceed our goals for this year," Atkinson said. "This could mean approximately 1,000 new people coming to Saskatchewan to help build our province and our economy."

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For More Information, Contact:

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