SASKATCHEWAN SETS RECORD FOR NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS

The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program issued 1,027 nominations last year, which exceeded the year's target by more than 200.  Compared to the 401 nominations issued in 2005, this represents an increase of 150 per cent.

For each nomination certificate, there is one principal applicant and on average, two accompanying family members (spouse and child), potentially resulting in 3,000 new residents en route to Saskatchewan.

“Increased immigration is a key factor in ensuring the province’s continued prosperity,” Minister responsible for Immigration, Pat Atkinson said.  “Inviting people from around the world to build their futures here in Saskatchewan will foster our economy’s growth into the future and make life better for everyone, including new immigrants.
 
“We are well ahead of schedule to achieve our goal of welcoming 5,000 newcomers by 2008,” Atkinson added.

The increase in Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program nominations can be attributed in part to recent expansions of the program.  The Family Members Category, which was created in December 2005, now accounts for more than one-half of the applications.  This category enables Saskatchewan residents to support family members living abroad who want to live and work in Saskatchewan.

“Settling and retaining newcomers is as important as attracting them,” Atkinson said.  “The presence of family and friends makes settlement easier.  The Family Members Category is helping revitalize and build stronger cultural communities that can provide the social and emotional supports needed by new immigrants as they settle in Saskatchewan.”

A number of very successful overseas marketing missions have also contributed to the program’s success.  These missions have helped promote the province internationally as a great place to live, work and raise families.  One such mission resulted in the signing of an innovative Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine government in December 2006.  The Province is working to create similar arrangements with other jurisdictions.
 
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program is a provincially administered immigration program that provides an alternative and fast-tracked means of entry for immigrants who intend to settle in the province.  Individuals interested in immigrating to Saskatchewan or finding out more about the program can visit www.immigrationsask.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jill Tzupa
Advanced Education and Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jtzupa@sasked.gov.sk.ca