IMMIGRATION PROGRAM ATTRACTING MORE IMMIGRANTS

Nominations of immigrants under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) grew more than 300 per cent last year, following a number of program enhancements.

Minister Responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson says the growth in the program is encouraging.

"A total of 180 immigrants were nominated in 2003-04 compared to 52 in the previous fiscal year. Counting the spouses and children of nominees, that will mean nearly 600 new residents for the province of Saskatchewan."

"Increasing the population of Saskatchewan through immigration is a priority of the provincial government," Atkinson said. "The Open Up Saskatchewan report, tabled in 2003, recommended greater flexibility in our efforts to attract more people to our province. We've made an excellent start in the past year and will continue to work hard, in collaboration with employers, industry associations and the federal government, to expand our immigration program and attract more people to Saskatchewan in the months and years to come."

The provincial government is working on an aggressive immigration strategy to increase the number and range of immigrants to Saskatchewan. The province's target for this year is 300 nominations under SINP, which would mean approximately 1,000 new people coming to Saskatchewan to help build our province and our economy.

Immigrants who come to Saskatchewan under SINP contribute to the economy in a variety of professions. Last year's nominees included 69 health professionals, 15 specialty welders, 13 heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and 13 farm owner-operators.

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For More Information, Contact:

Anna Arneson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306) 787-8008