PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDES FUNDING TO HELP IMMIGRANTS SUCCEED IN SASKATOON

The province is providing more than $894,500 in funding to community-based organizations and other agencies that help new immigrants get a start in Saskatoon. This funding is part of $2.59 million of support the government is currently providing to immigrant service providers across the province.

"I want to thank Saskatoon's immigrant-serving organizations for the dedication and passion they bring to their work and for the important contribution they make to this community and the province," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "The provincial government is dedicated to working in partnership with these community groups to help ensure immigrants feel welcome in Saskatchewan and optimistic about their future here."

Approximately $378,000 in funding is being provided for the 2008-09 fiscal year to support English language training and labour market integration services at Saskatoon Open Door Society, Global Gathering Place, International Women of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Intercultural Association and the Saskatoon Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

The Saskatoon Open Door Society will also receive approximately $114,460 in funding this fiscal year under the Saskatchewan Nominee Assistance Program and the Enhanced Assessment and Referrals Program. The City of Saskatoon, Global Gathering Place, International Women of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, Global International Community Help Association, the Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatoon, the German Canadian Concordia Club and the Saskatoon Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress will receive approximately $325,290 in funding this fiscal year for the delivery of settlement services through the Community Capacity Building Fund.

Remaining funding includes support for smaller projects, core funding to Saskatoon Open Door Society, and the seven per cent increase to community-based organizations announced by the provincial government in September 2008.

The provincial government has set an aggressive immigration target of 2,800 nominations for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program during the 2008-09 fiscal year. Including nominees, spouses and families, this represents more than 8,000 newcomers to our province.

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For more information, contact:

Regan Brady
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: regan.brady@gov.sk
Cell: 306-541-4673