NEARLY $1 MILLION TO HELP NEWCOMERS SETTLE IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $977,000 to improve settlement supports and language training for newcomers across the province.

“With the success of our Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program in attracting newcomers to Saskatchewan, we need to increase our capacity to help immigrants settle in the province,” Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said.  “This funding will enable immigrant service provider organizations and regional colleges to provide the comprehensive, co-ordinated and high-quality services that immigrants need to become full participants in our society and our economy.”

This one-time grant funding will enable regional colleges, service providers and community organizations to develop their capacity and offer services, including language services that meet the unique needs of newcomers in the area.  The funding includes:

• $510,000 to 14 organizations to increase or develop their capacity to help newcomers settle and integrate in the province, including:

   

• orientation to communities and workplaces;

   

• co-ordination of access to health, education and housing services;

   

• ensuring the organizations have appropriate staff and resources to address the unique needs of immigrants; and

   

• ensuring that immigrants are directly represented in policy development and program planning.

   

• $310,000 to seven regional colleges to deliver language training programs; and

   

• $157,000 to five service provider organizations to deliver community-based language training for newcomers. 

   

In 2006, both urban and rural communities across the province saw dramatic increases in immigration.  The number of immigrants landing in the province rose by 26 per cent to 2,658.  Furthermore, for the first time ever, Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program nominations exceeded 1,000 annually in 2006, potentially resulting in 3,000 new residents en route to Saskatchewan.

“As we continue to implement our bold strategy to attract 5,000 newcomers annually by 2008, these enhanced services will also benefit Saskatchewan employers by easing the transition for newcomers into Saskatchewan workplaces and communities,” Atkinson added.  “We all need to work together to ensure that newcomers have the supports they need to build futures for themselves and their families here in Saskatchewan.”

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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