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June 2 2005 - Canada and Saskatchewan have signed a new immigration agreement, replacing the original Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement, signed on March 16, 1998.

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

"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 Joe Volpe, Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

"Continuing to expand the population, labour force, culture and economy of Saskatchewan through immigration is a priority of the Government of Saskatchewan," Pat Atkinson, Saskatchewan Minister Responsible for Immigration, 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."

Key aspects of the new Agreement are:

• Removal of the nominations cap from the SINP, allowing Saskatchewan greater flexibility to operate its immigration program and and attract more skilled workers, business people and farmers to meet the province's specific labour market and economic needs.
• Providing a framework for the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to establish new initiatives and projects, for example agreements on foreign student employment and Enhanced Language Training.
• New provisions reflecting Saskatchewan's interest in enhancing the vitality of its French- language minority communities.
• Continued acknowledgement of the importance of family reunification
• 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," Minister Atkinson said. "From its creation one hundred 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."