REPORT FROM THE LEGISLATURE
We will always stand up against divisive and damaging policies to ensure our province has sustainable growth for the future.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, our province has been helping those impacted by senseless violence. Saskatchewan residents and businesses have made donations, opened their communities and helped hire Ukrainians who have arrived in our province. We should be helping as many people as we can, but Ottawa has diverted flights with newcomers away from Saskatchewan with no explanation. With the help of philanthropist Enrique Pineyro, our government organized a private flight to assist those who wanted to get to our province. A second humanitarian flight is being organized this month out of Warsaw.
We have the jobs and the capacity to assist these new residents, all while supporting a growing province. We know our province’s needs and the labour market better than the Government of Canada. Their current approach does not align with the direction of Saskatchewan’s growth.
To address our economic needs and gaps in the labour market, we need more autonomy and flexibility with immigration. With that in mind, our government has put forward a detailed proposal to give Saskatchewan similar authority over immigration as the Province of Quebec. Under the Quebec Accord, Ottawa reviews immigrants only based on national security concerns. Quebec then selects the applicants destined for that province. Saskatchewan is asking for the same rights so that our province is not limited to applicants who fit into economic categories deemed important by the federal government. We should also not be limited by caps on provincial nominee programs that Ottawa sets out. Saskatchewan will likely exceed our cap of 6,000 people under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. Without an increase, international recruitment of employees will be delayed. A proportionate share of national immigration, as contemplated in the Saskatchewan Immigration Accord, would see, at minimum, 13,000 positions allocated to the province in 2022.
A Saskatchewan Accord similar to the Quebec Accord will enable our immigration strategy to meet the needs of Saskatchewan employers and improve the outcomes for our new neighbours. It could also speed up the process with current wait times reaching 40 months, something our province could help with. Currently, it takes Saskatchewan two to six weeks to process a request on the selection side.
Waiting on the sidelines to cause additional issues are the newly announced federal government’s fertilizer emission reduction targets. This arbitrary goal wasn’t even on the agenda when provincial and federal agriculture leaders met in July, yet the announcement came just days later. Provinces tried to push Ottawa to have a conversation about the targets but were disappointed to learn they were already set.
4R Nutrient Stewardship is a made-in-Canada approach that promotes environmental stewardship through best practices in science-based nutrient management. This innovative partnership is an example of government, industry and farmers working together to achieve better environmental outcomes without reducing much-needed food production. Western Canada already accounts for almost all of the acres under 4R management in Canada. Saskatchewan farmers are stewards of the land, already producing the most sustainable agri-food products in the world. Our producers are being asked to supply the world with the food it needs but are being told to do it with less.
Saskatchewan is leading the nation in economic growth despite the roadblocks. We have the food, fuel, energy and jobs the world wants.
SASKATCHEWAN WELCOMES 200 UKRAINIAN CITIZENS
Late last evening, approximately 200 Ukrainian citizens will arrive in Regina after departing Warsaw, Poland to escape the ongoing war in their home country. The Ukrainian citizens will arrive on two charter flights after a short layover in Edmonton.
"Saskatchewan's approach to welcoming Ukrainian citizens is unique and speaks to Saskatchewan's character," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "I am extremely proud of the work that is being done to ensure Ukrainian citizens are safe and comfortable in our province - whether it be for a short time or if they choose to make Saskatchewan their permanent home."
Passengers will be provided with temporary accommodations in Regina to allow them access to key supports and information related to living in Saskatchewan. A settlement reception centre will be available and will include on-site personnel to answer questions and issue Saskatchewan health cards, assist with setting up bank accounts, provide information about housing, employment, education, income assistance, community supports and more. All recent newcomers from Ukraine are welcome to visit the reception centre.
Saskatchewan is proud to partner with humanitarian organizations Open Arms and Solidaire on this initiative.
Information about programs and services is available to Ukrainian newcomers on an ongoing basis by calling 1-833-613-0485 (toll free), by email at ukrainesupport@gov.sk.ca or by accessing online resources at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/saskatchewan-supports-ukraine.
Saskatchewan's residents and businesses are encouraged to show their support for Ukraine by printing the attached poster and hanging it in visible locations. The hashtag #SKSupportsUkraine can also be used on social media.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has forced millions of Ukrainian people to flee their country in search of safety. With the arrival of this flight, more than 1,500 displaced Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan since the conflict began.
