New immigration deal for Canada and Saskatchewan

The Government of Canada and the province of Saskatchewan announced on June 1, 2005 that the original Canada-Saskatchewan Immigration Agreement of 1998 has been replaced.

The agreement sets out the role of Saskatchewan regarding foreign students, workers, and other immigrants to the province. It is hoped that immigration, generally the responsibility of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, will be more effective as a result of the involvement of the province.

The new Agreement specifically addresses the creation of Saskatchewan's Provincial Nominees program in 2002 and incorporates it into the overall immigration program. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program provides the province with the ability to attract skilled labour suited to the unique needs of its culture and economy. As a result of the new Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement, the cap on Provincial Nominees has been removed.

The new Agreement includes special provisions for Enhanced Language Training, minority French-communities, and work for foreign students. The Saskatchewan Minister in charge of Immigration was hopeful that these and other initiatives would continue to mark Saskatchewan as a place where newcomers are welcomed and supported.