The recently introduced Saskatchewan Immigration Services Act, effective July 1, has garnered positive reactions from stakeholders. The Regina Open Door Society praised the act for its enhanced support framework for newcomers, emphasizing its role in strengthening regulatory oversight and legal protections. This new legislation, replacing the Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act (FWRISA), centralizes immigration authorities and aims to protect foreign workers from exploitation. Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison highlighted the act’s importance in attracting newcomers to fill labor market needs and maintain program integrity. The act includes increased fines and stricter oversight of immigration recruiters and employers.
The Immigration Services Act Comes into Force
The Immigration Services Act came into force on July 1, enhancing Saskatchewan’s ability to manage and monitor the immigration system and protect foreign workers from exploitation.
“Saskatchewan continues to attract newcomers from all over the world, who are essential to growing the economy and filling our province’s labor market needs,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “This strengthened legislation will enhance Saskatchewan’s ability to protect foreign workers as they arrive in the province, streamline processing for employers, and will set a new standard for program integrity in Canada.”
Key Features of the Immigration Services Act
The Immigration Services Act has replaced The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, bringing all authorities related to immigration in Saskatchewan under one piece of legislation. This will enable the province to respond to changing needs in the immigration system and streamline the process for employers recruiting internationally to address their workforce needs. This new legislation is crucial to ensure that Saskatchewan can attract and retain the labor force required to support its growing economy and vibrant communities.
Positive Reception from Stakeholders
“The Regina Open Door Society is encouraged by the introduction of the new Immigration Services Act, which strengthens the framework of support for newcomers in Saskatchewan,” Regina Open Door Society Communications Manager Victoria Flores said. “By enhancing regulatory oversight and legal protections, this act helps us better serve and safeguard the interests of those arriving in our province. Our commitment to facilitating a welcoming environment is bolstered by such comprehensive measures.”
Enhanced Protection and Oversight
The Immigration Services Act provides better protection to foreign workers against exploitation and enhances oversight of foreign worker recruiters, immigration consultants, and employers. It provides the Government of Saskatchewan with increased investigative authorities and enforcement measures to tackle immigration fraud, including the highest fines for violations in the country. With stronger legislation, the province can deter fraud more effectively, streamline its operations, and improve processing times, resulting in a more efficient and effective immigration system.
The new Saskatchewan Immigration Services Act marks a significant step forward in protecting foreign workers and ensuring the integrity of the province’s immigration system. By centralizing immigration authorities and introducing stricter oversight and enforcement measures, Saskatchewan is better equipped to meet its labor marketneeds and support its growing economy. Stakeholders like the Regina Open Door Society have welcomed this legislation, recognizing its potential to create a more supportive and secure environment for newcomers.
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