Saskatchewan has introduced new legislation designed to strengthen its immigration systems and protect newcomers and their employers. The new Immigration Services Act replaces the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, bringing all authorities related to immigration in Saskatchewan under one piece of legislation.
A release from the province states that the new legislation will better enable it to respond to changing needs in the immigration system and will streamline the process for employers who need to use immigration to address their workforce needs. It states that the new legislation provides concrete consequences for those who attempt to misuse immigration programs in the province.
"Immigration is critical to Saskatchewan's economic growth," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "This strengthened legislation will support and protect newcomers and employers, and ensure Saskatchewan is able to attract and retain the labour force we need to support our growing economy and communities. This new legislation will enhance Saskatchewan's ability to support newcomers as they arrive in the province, improve the process for employers looking to hire foreign workers and ensure Saskatchewan has the most robust program integrity framework in Canada."
The legislation is designed to work in tandem with the province’s Labour Market Strategy that governs the recruitment and deployment of incoming workers according to the province’s needs. The new act supports the government's Growth Plan goal of reaching a population of 1.4 million people by 2030 with an expanded labour force and economic opportunities.