SINP - What's New

December 5, 2005
Saskatchewan's Immigration Program Brings Families Together

November 7, 2005
New Citizens to the Province

June 24, 2005
International Medical Graduate Training Seats Announced

June 6, 2005
New Funding For Recent Immigrants

June 1, 2005
Canada and Saskatchewan Sign New Immigration Agreement

April 5, 2005
Helping Immigrants Thrive in the Saskatchewan Workforce

April 1, 2005
$15,000 For Immigrant Daycare in Saskatoon

March 21, 2005
More Foreign-Trained Doctors to Practise in Saskatchewan

February 2, 2005
Saskatchewan Attracts More Nurses and Doctors (through immigration)

January 19, 2005
Saskatchewan's Immigration Program Opens Up to Help Employers

November 29, 2004
Enhanced Language Training to Help Immigrants

June 17, 2004
Saskatchewan Attracting More Immigrant Farmers

May 6, 2004
Saskatchewan Expanding Immigration Program

May 6, 2004
Canada and Saskatchewan Announce a Pilot Project for Foreign Students

News archive

December 19, 2005

SASKATCHEWAN'S IMMIGRATION PROGRAM HELPS FILL TRUCKER SHORTAGES
More long haul truck drivers could soon be on the road in Saskatchewan. Through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) the province is looking to attract foreign truck drivers to Saskatchewan trucking firms.

"The provincial government is working hard to attract immigrants to our province," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "By establishing the Long-Haul Truck Driver Project we will be able to address labour shortages and help increase our workforce."

The truck driver project will allow Saskatchewan firms to bring workers to the province under Service Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker policy for occupations requiring a high school diploma, or specific on the job training, and then hire them as permanent employees through the SINP.

As of today long haul truck drivers can begin working in Saskatchewan for a trucking firm on a foreign work permit. After six months, if they are offered a permanent job, they may apply to the SINP for permanent resident status.

"The current driver shortage might be the tip of the ice berg with our current baby boomers retiring at a staggering rate; we in the industry have been positioning ourselves for some very rough times ahead," Saskatchewan Trucking Association president Doug Barry said. "Our association has been working to recruit members of our aboriginal population, along with our youth, to enter our industry at the earliest possible opportunity. In the interim we must look toward experienced drivers to fill the vacancy and the Saskatchewan Immigrant Program."

In the fall of 2003, the Saskatchewan Trucking Association and the provincial government ran a pilot program to attract 240 long haul truckers to address labour needs in this sector.

This project is the latest enhancement to the province's immigration program, which will approve approximately 5,000 new immigrants a year by 2008-09. For more information on this and other immigration programs in Saskatchewan visit the website at http://www.aee.gov.sk.ca/immigration/.

December 5, 2005

SASKATCHEWAN'S IMMIGRATION PROGRAM BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is opening up to bring immigrants family members to the province. Starting today, a Family Members category under SINP will allow Saskatchewan residents to support family members from foreign countries who want to come to the province.

"For those of us who have deep roots in the province, we have family near us. Immigrants, like everyone else, need their families too," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "That is why we are expanding our Immigrant Nominee Program to include a Family Members category so that immigrant families can be reunited."

Under the new category, Saskatchewan citizens can support family members from abroad who want to come to live here and can work in this province. Supporting family members must provide settlement assistance to the applicant and their family which could include financial support.

Eligible family members include mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandchild, first cousin, or step-relative of equal standing who meet the eligibility criteria.

"Saskatchewan continues to work on meeting labour market shortfalls through education and employment for the province's young people and the growing number of Métis and First Nations youth," Atkinson said. "The creation of a Family Members category is another way to help the province meet its goals."

Through enhancements to the Saskatchewan immigration program, approximately 5,000 new immigrants a year will be approved to immigrate to the province by 2008-09.

For more information on this and other immigration programs in Saskatchewan, visit the website at www.gr.gov.sk.ca/immigration.

November 7, 2005

NEW CITIZENS TO THE PROVINCE
Saskatchewan welcomed 14 new Canadian citizens to the province in a special citizenship ceremony this morning in the Chamber of the Legislative Building. Along with guests, friends and family, Premier Lorne Calvert and Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson were present to celebrate the milestone.

Citizenship ceremonies are a celebration and reminder of the rich diversity of culture, ethnicity and languages that defines Canada and binds us together as a nation.

"It is a privilege to share in this experience," Calvert said. "It is an occasion that really brings home pride of place. It's a great way to set the stage for the opening of the Legislature."

"It's a momentous occasion, becoming a new citizen of a country," Atkinson said. "Today we are celebrating this milestone with our newest Canadians, and wish them great success and happiness for the future."

Citizenship ceremonies are held regularly in Saskatchewan.

June 6, 2005

NEW FUNDING FOR RECENT IMMIGRANTS
Recent immigrants to Saskatchewan will have access to better language training and employment services as a result of $350,000 in new provincial funding.

"Enhancing the settlement and integration of refugees and immigrants to Saskatchewan is a priority of the provincial government," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "The initiatives announced today will be undertaken in partnership with Saskatchewan communities and local community organizations that serve immigrants, such as the province's settlement agencies."

Enhanced Language Training (ELT) services for recent immigrants to Saskatchewan will be expanded through $200,000 in new provincial funding. The new money for ELT enables the province to lever a matching amount of federal funding for a total of $400,000 in new funding for enhanced language training, mentoring and work experiences in Saskatchewan.

An additional $150,000 in provincial funding will be used to establish an employment internship pilot project for immigrants. The project will provide immigrants to Saskatchewan with better opportunities to advance in the labour market. Services provided to clients under this project will include language or other training and employment services that will increase their employability in Saskatchewan.

June 1, 2005

CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN SIGN NEW IMMIGRATION AGREEMENT
The Honourable Joe Volpe, Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and Saskatchewan's Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson today announced the signature of a new Canada-Saskatchewan Immigration Agreement.

The Agreement replaces the original Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement, signed on March 16th, 1998.

"Effective immigration is about close partnerships—not only between the federal government and the provinces or territories, but also with communities and stakeholders. The Canada-Saskatchewan Immigration Agreement is an excellent example of a partnership that works," said Minister Volpe.

The Agreement defines the respective roles and responsibilities of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan related to immigrants, temporary workers, students and others who want to come to Saskatchewan under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It incorporates the Agreement on Provincial Nominees, signed in 2002, which allows Saskatchewan to identify and nominate immigrant applicants through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

"Continuing to expand the population, labour force, culture and economy of Saskatchewan through immigration is a priority of the Government of Saskatchewan," Atkinson said. "This new and enhanced agreement is the latest demonstration of our commitment to make Saskatchewan a destination of choice for immigrants from around the world."

The Agreement removes the nominations cap from the SINP, providing Saskatchewan with greater flexibility in operating its immigration program and enabling the province to attract more skilled workers, business people and farmers to meet its specific labour market and economic needs. It provides a framework for the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to establish new initiatives and projects, such as agreements on foreign student employment and Enhanced Language Training. The Agreement also includes new provisions that reflect Saskatchewan's interest in enhancing the vitality of its French-language minority communities. It continues to acknowledge the importance of family reunification and a shared commitment to the humanitarian considerations for refugees.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to renew our partnership with the federal government and local communities as we strive, together, to attract more immigrants to our province and enhance our settlement and integration services," Atkinson said. "From its creation 100 years ago, Saskatchewan has always been enriched by the cultures of people the world over. By creating a province that's welcoming and supportive of newcomers, we help ensure a prosperous, dynamic future for all Saskatchewan people."

April 5, 2005

HELPING IMMIGRANTS THRIVE IN THE SASKATCHEWAN WORKFORCE
The Province of Saskatchewan is committed to working with the federal government and local communities to not only attract more immigrants to our province, but also ensure that they obtain meaningful employment and thrive in their new communities after they arrive.

"Recent immigrants to Canada are having difficulty adapting to, and integrating into, the workforce at a level appropriate to their skills, training and motivation," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, which visited Regina today. "In the coming months, Saskatchewan will implement a number of measures that will begin to address some of the barriers facing immigrants who are looking for meaningful employment."

These measures will include:

• Working with the Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement and Integration Agencies to implement an improved system to assess the needs of immigrants to Saskatchewan;

• Implementing a new Enhanced Language Training initiative for immigrants, in partnership with the federal government. This program will work with immigrants to identify specific gaps in their transferable knowledge and skill base and will provide targeted workplace language training and mentorship;

• Implementing a new Internship Pilot Project that will extend language training, employment supports, and career mentoring to immigrants; and

• Helping foreign-trained medical graduates by creating four new residency positions at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. These spaces will be reserved specifically for internationally trained medical graduates.

During her appearance before the Committee, Atkinson also stressed the importance of family reunification to the implementation of a successful immigration strategy.

"As a province with a small population, we see family reunification as a particularly important element in our efforts to both attract and retain immigrants to Saskatchewan," Atkinson said. "For this reason we would welcome any steps that the federal government might take to expand and facilitate family class immigration, including expansion of the definition of family and the reduction in processing times for family class applications."

April 1, 2005

$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.

February 2, 2005

SASKATCHEWAN ATTRACTS MORE NURSES AND DOCTORS
More foreign-trained nurses and doctors are coming to practise in Saskatchewan. This comes after the province made it possible for nurses and doctors practising under a temporary work permit to apply for landed immigrant status through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

Since expanding the program to include a Health Professions category, the province has nominated 17 nurses and 107 doctors from South Africa, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, and elsewhere. The province began nominating physicians in June 2002 and included nurses in September 2003.

"The provincial government is pleased to assist foreign-born professionals obtain landed immigrant status who have chosen to make Saskatchewan their home," Minister Responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "These professionals bring valuable skills and abilities to Saskatchewan, enhancing our health system and bolstering our labour market."

Applicants nominated under the Health Professions category generally attain their landed immigrant status much more quickly than through the usual immigration processes. This improves Saskatchewan's ability to attract and retain health care professionals to the province.

"We welcome nurses and physicians who choose to come to Saskatchewan from other countries and contribute to our health care system," Health Minister John Nilson said. "Through this program, we are helping meet the need for health care providers in the province – a key goal of our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care."

Saskatchewan has an immigration agreement with the federal government that allows the province to identify and nominate potential immigrants who meet provincial priorities and eligibility criteria. Provincial nominees are then expedited through federal immigration processing.

January 19, 2005

SASKATCHEWAN'S IMMIGRATION PROGRAM OPENS UP TO HELP EMPLOYERS
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is opening up to help employers bring skilled workers to our province. Effective today, Saskatchewan employers and businesses have much greater opportunity to permanently hire qualified, foreign, skilled workers under the SINP.

"The provincial government is working hard to help Saskatchewan grow by attracting immigrants to Saskatchewan," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "Under the new rules, employers can now hire qualified immigrants for most technical, trade and professional occupations in the province."

Previously, the program accepted skilled workers in 12 occupations or individual jobs where there was a demonstrated shortage. Those 12 occupations covered only about 10,000 jobs in the province, or a mere 2 per cent of Saskatchewan's labour market — compared to the estimated 200,000 jobs, or 45 per cent of the labour market, covered by the new rules.

"Today's enhancements to the Skilled Worker category will be of particular interest to Saskatchewan business people and entrepreneurs looking to expand and increase productivity through the hiring of skilled immigrant workers," Atkinson said. "Our goal is to make the SINP responsive to the needs of employers, and let them determine what occupations they wish to recruit internationally."

The expansion of the Skilled Worker category is just the latest enhancement to the province's immigration program. Over the past several months, in collaboration with employers, industry associations and the federal government, the province expanded the program to include new categories for foreign students and health professionals.

In addition, the provincial government is currently running a pilot program with the Saskatchewan Trucking Association (STA), aimed at attracting 240 long-haul truckers to our province to address labour needs in that important sector.

November 29, 2004

ENHANCED LANGUAGE TRAINING TO HELP IMMIGRANTS
Judy Sgro, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), and Saskatchewan's Minister Responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson, today announced an agreement to improve language training for adult immigrants in Saskatchewan, which will help meet the needs of the province's growing labour market and economy.

Under the agreement, CIC and the Government of Saskatchewan will jointly contribute more than $264,000 to support research and planning activities under the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) initiative for 2004–05. The agreement, renewable for each of the next four years, will be cost-shared equally by Saskatchewan and the federal government.

"The ability to use and understand language that is appropriate to the workplace is essential to the labour market success of a large number of working-age immigrants," said Minister Sgro. "It is a high priority of this government to remove these and other barriers so that foreign-trained professionals and other skilled immigrants can find and keep work for which they are qualified.

"I am especially pleased that our governments are working together to provide the best possible environment for newcomers to succeed while also helping to bring greater prosperity and opportunities to the people of Saskatchewan," added Minister Sgro.

"Saskatchewan's participation in ELT is a demonstration of our commitment to improving the integration and retention of immigrants to the province," Minister Atkinson said. "This initiative is part of our overall strategy to ensure immigrants and refugees arriving today will thrive and that they will contribute to the economic success and cultural diversity of Saskatchewan, as did earlier generations of immigrants before them. Attracting and retaining immigrants is crucial to the future of our province."

The funding announced today will be used to assist recent immigrants to Saskatchewan in obtaining employment in four priority sectors: health professions, trades, sales and services, and natural and applied sciences. This year's funding will be used to build capacity in the province to deliver ELT and its mentoring and work placement components over the next four years.

The ELT initiative was launched last year to provide higher levels of language training, including job-specific language training, in Canada's two official languages. ELT also helps immigrants access and reach their full potential in the labour market through mentoring, work placement and other assistance. Earlier this year, the Government of Canada announced its intention to expand the ELT initiative by investing a total of $20 million annually to help up to 20,000 new immigrants a year access enhanced language training, including job-specific language training.

ELT is delivered through cost-sharing partnerships with Saskatchewan and other provinces, territories and stakeholders. Adult immigrants receive job-specific and other language training to help them secure and retain jobs commensurate with their skills and qualifications.

June 17, 2004

SASKATCHEWAN ATTRACTING MORE IMMIGRANT FARMERS
Saskatchewan's immigration program is working to bring more immigrant farmers into the province to help bolster Saskatchewan's agricultural economy.

"Since the establishment of a new category for farm owner-operators in 2002, the province has nominated 20 immigrant farmers from the United Kingdom, Germany and elsewhere," Immigration Minister Pat Atkinson said. "Many of these farmers have already landed in Saskatchewan and have settled here with their spouses, children and other family members."

In addition to the 20 farmer nominees, more than 50 family members have also either settled in Saskatchewan or are making arrangements to move here.

Several more farmers from the U.K. who are thinking about immigrating to Saskatchewan met today with Atkinson and provincial immigration officials at the Western Canada Farm Progress Show in Regina. They were joined by a number of farmers and family members who have already used the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to immigrate to the province.

Established in 2002, the SINP's farm owner-operator category was one of the first examples of Saskatchewan's immigration program being opened up to bring more people to the province. Last month, a new category for foreign students was also established.

Over the coming months, the program will also be opened up to more skilled workers and business people.

The province's target for 2004-05 is 300 nominations, a significant increase over past years.

"I'm confident that the ongoing enhancements to our immigration program will enable us to meet or exceed our goals for this year," Atkinson said. "This could mean approximately 1,000 new people coming to Saskatchewan to help build our province and our economy."

May 6, 2004

SASKATCHEWAN EXPANDING IMMIGRATION PROGRAM
Saskatchewan's immigration program is opening up to bring more people to the province.

Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson today said over the coming months the program will open up to:

• more foreign students;
• more skilled workers; and
• more opportunities for business owners.

"Under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), the province's target for 2004-05 is 300 nominations, a significant increase over past years," Atkinson said.  "I'm confident these enhancements will enable us to meet or exceed our goals for this year.  This could mean approximately 1,000 new people coming to Saskatchewan to help build our province and our economy."

Effective immediately, the government is allowing foreign post-secondary students who graduate in Saskatchewan and get work in their field to apply to the SINP. There are about 1,700 foreign students studying in Saskatchewan who could apply to the program if they find work here after graduation.

The minister also said the program will be expanded to meet a much greater range of employer needs.  All skilled workers who have secured employment will be able to apply to the nominee program.

"In the coming months, we will open the program for Saskatchewan employers who want to permanently hire a qualified foreign skilled worker," Atkinson said. "Our current skill shortage list covers about 10,000 jobs in Saskatchewan or two per cent of the job market.  I expect about 200,000 additional jobs in Saskatchewan requiring post-secondary education or training will become open to applicants to the SINP."

In addition, the department is currently running a pilot program with the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, aimed at attracting as many as 120 long-haul truckers to the province to address trucking sector labour needs.

The province also intends to make the program more flexible for immigrants who want to own and operate a business in Saskatchewan. The program currently is limited to businesses in key economic development sectors and excludes most service or retail businesses.

Atkinson made the announcement at the Saskcan Pulse Trading plant, east of Regina, as part of Saskatchewan Opportunities Week.  Established in 2001, Saskcan ships processed lentils, peas, mustard and canary seed to 34 countries. The company employs 48 people, including six immigrants who came to Saskatchewan as a result of the province's immigration program.

"My company would not be in operation without the support and assistance of the SINP," Saskcan President Murad al-Katib said.  "The program has enabled us to fill specialized positions with skilled workers who simply weren't available in Canada."

"By expanding and enhancing our provincial immigration program, I'm confident we can foster more Saskatchewan success stories like Saskcan in the months and years ahead," Atkinson added.

May 6, 2004

CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN ANNOUNCE A PILOT PROJECT FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS
Judy Sgro, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Saskatchewan Immigration Minister Pat Atkinson today announced the signing of an agreement for a pilot project that will permit foreign students who graduate from colleges and universities in Saskatchewan to work in the province for an additional year.

"This project marks a step in our efforts to make Canada a destination of choice for foreign students," Minister Sgro said. "It is also projects like these that encourage immigration in a number of regions for graduates who wish to stay in Canada."

The joint agreement, which takes effect on June 1st, 2004, will make it easier for foreign graduates in Saskatchewan to gain an additional year of work experience in their field of study. Currently, following graduation, foreign students may work for a maximum of one year in a job related to their studies without having to obtain a confirmation from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Under this new agreement, work permits can be renewed for a second year, making it easier for post-graduates to continue working in the province.

"Saskatchewan's immigration program is opening up to bring more people to our province, including more foreign students," Atkinson said. "This will complement changes that come into effect today to allow foreign post-secondary students who graduate in Saskatchewan and get work in their field to apply to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). There are about 1,700 foreign students studying in Saskatchewan who are eligible to apply to the program if they find work here after graduation."

The agreement will ensure that graduate foreign students who wish to apply for permanent resident status will be able to submit their application for immigration and continue working while awaiting a decision. For these graduates, additional time spent in the province is also likely to result in stronger ties to their communities – further increasing the likelihood that they will settle in Saskatchewan if they choose to remain in Canada.

Under the terms of the agreement, both the original work permit and its renewal will only apply to work in Saskatchewan for temporary foreign workers who graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution in that province. The work must be related to the graduate's area of study.

The agreement will be in effect for three years during which there will be an ongoing evaluation of the project's impact. CIC has signed a similar agreement in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Alberta and continues to explore similar initiatives in other regions.

NEWS ARCHIVE
April 16, 2004
Immigration Program Attracting More Immigrants

September 30, 2003
Report Identifies Ways to Increase Immigration

September 16, 2003
More Nurses to Call Saskatchewan Home

April 22, 2003
Lorje to Develop "Your Future is Here" Immigration Strategy

April 22, 2003
Support for Immigration Agencies

November 14, 2002
Canada and Saskatchewan Sign Provincial Nominee Agreement

For more information about Saskatchewan's demography and initiatives to increase the population of Saskatchewan, please consult the documents below:

Open Up Saskatchewan (PDF file: requires Acrobat Reader)
A report on international immigration and inter-provincial in-migration initiatives

Demographic Trends in Saskatchewan (PDF file: requires Acrobat Reader)
A statistical analysis of population, migration and immigration

Executive Summary—Demographic Trends in Saskatchewan (PDF file: requires Acrobat Reader)

For more information, please contact:
Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
300 - 1942 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK S4P 2C5
Canada
Phone: (Canada 001) 306-798-SINP (7467)
Fax: (Canada 001) 306-798-0713
E-mail: immigration@gov.sk.ca