OTTAWA, June 1 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Joe Volpe, Canada's Minister

of Citizenship and Immigration, and the Honourable Pat Atkinson, Saskatchewan

Minister Responsible for Immigration, today announced the signature of a new

Canada-Saskatchewan Immigration Agreement. The Agreement replaces the original

Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement, signed on March 16, 1998.

    "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 Minister Volpe.

    The Agreement defines the respective roles and responsibilities of Canada

and the Province of Saskatchewan related to immigrants, temporary workers,

students and others who want to come to Saskatchewan under the Immigration and

Refugee Protection Act. It incorporates the Agreement on Provincial Nominees,

signed in 2002, which allows Saskatchewan to identify and nominate immigrant

applicants through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).

    "Continuing to expand the population, labour force, culture and economy

of Saskatchewan through immigration is a priority of the Government of

Saskatchewan," Minister Atkinson 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."

    The Agreement removes the nominations cap from the SINP, providing

Saskatchewan with greater flexibility in operating its immigration program and

enabling the province to attract more skilled workers, business people and

farmers to meet its specific labour market and economic needs. It provides a

framework for the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to establish new

initiatives and projects, such as agreements on foreign student employment and

Enhanced Language Training. The Agreement also includes new provisions that

reflect Saskatchewan's interest in enhancing the vitality of its French-

language minority communities. It continues to acknowledge the importance of

family reunification and 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."