Released on March 27, 2009
Saskatchewan's economic growth has attracted 4,838 immigrants who have chosen to make this province their permanent home - the highest jump in immigration levels since records were kept in 1962.
According to figures released yesterday by Statistics Canada, the population last year increased by 15,131 to 1,023,810, a new 20-year high.
"Immigration is important in addressing Saskatchewan's demographic and labour market needs and will help contribute to the long-term growth and prosperity of this province," Minister responsible for Immigration Rob Norris said. "Newcomers help to build our communities through diversity and innovation."
The provincial government has set an aggressive immigration target of 3,400 nominations for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) for the 2009-10 fiscal year. Including nominees, spouses and families, this represents more than 10,000 newcomers to our province.
Approximately 2,800 applicants were nominated through the SINP in 2008. Immigrants hail from more than 100 countries. Philippines, China, United Kingdom, Germany and Ukraine are the top five countries of origin.
About 60 per cent of newcomers have settled in Saskatchewan's largest urban centres with the remainder distributed across the province in about 70 communities.
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For more information, contact:
Herman Hulshof
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9715
Email: herman.hulshof@gov.sk.ca