The Government of Saskatchewan has unveiled new legislation aimed at enhancing the province’s immigration system.
The new Immigration Services Act, announced April 8, seeks to provide better protections for newcomers and employers while establishing what is described as the most comprehensive program integrity framework in Canada.
According to Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison, the updated legislation is vital for Saskatchewan’s economic development. “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,” Harrison stated. He highlighted that the act would bolster the province’s ability to aid newcomers from their arrival through to long-term retention, simplify hiring processes for employers, and reinforce safeguards against immigration fraud.
Key features of the Immigration Services Act include enhanced settlement services, from pre-arrival support to retention assistance, and strengthened protections against exploitation of foreign workers. It will also improve oversight of recruiters and immigration consultants, increase fines for offences, and introduce administrative monetary penalties for non-compliance.
This legislation will replace the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, consolidating all immigration-related authorities under a single framework. This change aims to better respond to evolving needs within Saskatchewan’s immigration system and simplify procedures for employers relying on immigration to meet workforce demands.
The introduction of this legislation coincides with the province’s recently launched Labour Market Strategy. This strategy outlines plans for workforce development to meet employer demand, including through immigration and the recognition of foreign credentials.
Saskatchewan has been pushing for more control over immigration, evident from the proposed Saskatchewan Immigration Accord in 2022, which sought a modernized agreement with the federal government for greater provincial autonomy in immigration matters.
The new act is also a step towards achieving the government’s goal of expanding the province’s population to 1.4 million by 2030, aiming to bolster the labour force and ensure that residents benefit from economic growth.
