The Government of Saskatchewan has reached a significant milestone with its Graduate Retention Program (GRP), announcing that total investments have surpassed $800 million since the program’s inception in 2009. The program, designed to retain talented post-secondary graduates within the province, has provided tuition tax credits to more than 85,000 graduates, making it a cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s strategy to build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
What is the Graduate Retention Program?
The Graduate Retention Program is a unique initiative that offers post-secondary graduates up to $20,000 in tuition rebates. These rebates are available to both Canadian and international students who choose to live and work in Saskatchewan after completing their studies. The program is the only one of its kind in Canada, providing a tax-based incentive to keep graduates in the province.
Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young highlighted the program’s success, stating, “Today, we have more post-secondary graduates living and working in Saskatchewan than ever before, thanks to the made-in-Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program. Our province has a strong economy and a bright future, and developing a knowledgeable and skilled labor force is key to that success continuing for generations to come.”
How the GRP Benefits Graduates
The GRP offers eligible graduates income tax credits based on the tuition fees they paid during their studies. These credits are applied over a seven-year period, with the condition that the graduates file their income taxes in Saskatchewan. However, graduates have up to 10 years post-graduation to claim the full benefits of the program or apply for any unused credits.
This initiative provides financial relief to recent graduates, helping them manage the costs associated with their education while encouraging them to stay in Saskatchewan and contribute to the province’s economic growth. As University of Regina 2024 graduate Kyle Bye remarked, “The Graduate Retention Program helps ease the financial strain after university and allows me to continue growing connections in the province I love while keeping life affordable.”
A Key Driver for Saskatchewan’s Economic Growth
The GRP not only helps graduates but also plays a pivotal role in supporting Saskatchewan’s economy. By encouraging young, educated professionals to live and work in the province, the GRP fosters long-term economic development. This program aligns with Saskatchewan’s broader goal of attracting and retaining talent, ensuring that the province continues to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
Minister Colleen Young underscored the importance of retaining skilled workers, emphasizing that a strong, skilled workforce is essential to maintaining the province’s economic strength. With graduates contributing to the labor force across various sectors, the GRP is a vital part of the province’s efforts to secure a bright economic future.
The Graduate Retention Program is a prime example of how Saskatchewan is investing in its future by supporting the next generation of skilled workers. With over $800 million in tuition tax credits provided to more than 85,000 graduates, the program is helping to build a strong, knowledgeable workforce. As Saskatchewan continues to grow, the GRP will remain a critical tool in attracting and retaining talent, ensuring the province’s economic success for years to come.
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