$15,000 FOR IMMIGRANT DAYCARE IN SASKATOON

The Saskatoon Open Door Society has a better daycare facility for the children of recent immigrants and refugees, thanks in part to $15,000 in new funding from the province.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to provide one-time funding to the Saskatoon Open Door Society for its daycare facilities, as part of our ongoing commitment to immigration and settlement services in the province," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said today at a cheque presentation to the Society's representatives.

The funding will be used to offset recent upgrades to the Society's daycare facilities, and is in addition to the $35,000 grant previously provided to the Saskatoon Open Door Society under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Settlement Assistance Program for the 2004-05 fiscal year.

"Through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Settlement Assistance Program, the province provides $100,000 annually to immigrant settlement agencies in Saskatchewan's four largest cities to assist recent immigrants and refugees to settle and thrive in their new communities," Atkinson said. "We're pleased to augment this amount with new, one-time funding to assist the Saskatoon Open Door Society in improving its facilities for daycare services."

Upgrades to the facilities include fire prevention and security enhancements, new carpeting for the indoor play room, and the installation of an access ramp for wheelchair users.

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For More Information, Contact:

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