The province of Saskatchewan is hoping that the federal government is open to negotiation when it comes to the new rules for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The PNPs allow provinces to select and nominate certain workers whose skills are in high demand in the region for fast-tracking of their federal immigration application. After winning a majority government this spring, the Conservatives set out new regulations to the Saskatchewan Program to ensure more success for immigrants arriving as provincial nominees.
However, several of the changes have sparked concern among immigrant communities and their advocates, including the limitation on how many family members can be sponsored by the nominee, as well as the stipulation that applicants provide proof of a high-skilled job offer.
Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s fastest growing provinces today in terms of both population and economy, is hoping that the federal government is open to other ideas. The province’s Immigration Minister Bill Boyd has been conducting meetings with stakeholder groups all summer long, and assures them that he will fight for the cause.
Already, though, some immigrants are giving up, heading off to different provinces in hopes of more lenient regulations.
“Anytime that we see people that are looking to leave Saskatchewan, yes, it’s a concern,” said Boyd, noting that in the end the decision is in the hands of the federal government, as immigration is still under their jurisdiction.
Source: Regina Leader-Post