Minister says pause to Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program will be 'very brief'
A pause on the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) should be lifted by the end of the month, according to the province.
'We recognize that this is causing stress for some people. We're going to make this as short term as we possibly can,' said Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jim Reiter on March 7.
SINP offers immigrants an opportunity to attain permanent residency with an emphasis on attracting skilled workers, people already in Saskatchewan and those looking to start a business or operate a farm. The pause came into effect on Feb. 18, 2025, following changes made to national immigration targets.
'We felt it would be incredibly unfair to keep accepting applications,' said Reiter. 'Almost 200 applications come in a week. By the end of the month, we'd be using up all the allocations. So we're going to take a very brief pause.
He noted that the province typically has approximately 7,200 spots available, but that number has been cut to 3,600. The federal government mandates that 75 per cent of those spots be used for temporary residents in Canada, meaning the number of workers from abroad is limited to approximately 900 people.
There will be a recalibrating of which sectors the SINP targets, in terms of attracting workers, but Reiter said health care will remain a priority. He also said changes to national targets are 'a significant concern' and he continues to speak with the federal minister responsible for the portfolio.
Some have other concerns.
'Pausing this program without notice is reckless,' said Noor Burki, the Saskatchewan NDP's shadow minister for immigration and career training, on March 7.
Aleana Young, shadow minister for economy and jobs, said the same. She added that it happened during a time of 'chaos with our largest trading partner,' referring to ongoing tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
'Saskatchewan small businesses need certainty and stability,' said Young.
The two NDP MLAs argued that without those things, workers already in the province through SINP could look to move, if they're able, while others may face precarious status if applications are left to expire amid the pause. They called for the Saskatchewan government to bring back the SINP immediately.
'This is a change that was made wholesale overnight,' said Young.
Provincial Nominee Program sees immigration rise in Saskatchewan by 7%: study
Mandryk: Halting immigration program jeopardizes 20 years of Saskatchewan population growth
Nicholas Mastromatteo, director of Insul Fibre Ltd., said the pause puts his SINP employees — about 30 per cent of his company's total workforce — in a bind.
'People will end up leaving the province and the country as well,' said Mastromatteo at the NDP's March 7 news conference.
He said many of his employees' permits expire in four to six months, so any pause in the program 'puts a lot of strain on their stability.'
At the same time as the province deals with the disruptions to immigration, Reuters reported the United States could revoke the legal status of some 240,000 Ukrainians living in that country.
'Deporting legal refugees back into a war zone is insane,' said NDP Leader Carla Beck during a news conference in Moose Jaw on March 6. 'Canadian federal and provincial governments need to act immediately to ensure we can welcome as many of these Ukrainians as we can if the Americans proceed.'
Reiter wrote a letter to the federal Minister of Immigration Marc Miller on March 7 asking that Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) applications be reopened. CUAET offered temporary status to Ukrainians fleeing conflict to travel, study and work within Canada for up to three years. The application period for the program ended in July 2023.
'Saskatchewan is prepared to welcome our fair share of Ukrainian refugees,' wrote Reiter.
alsalloum@postmedia.com
The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Saskatchewan lays charges in wildfires while 1,000 more flee in Manitoba
Prairie wildfires developed on two fronts Friday, as 1,000 more Manitoba residents were forced to flee their homes and Saskatchewan RCMP charged two people with starting blazes. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe told a news conference that one charge relates to starting a fire near La Ronge, which has forced 7,000 people from the area. 'The RCMP have informed us that they have now charged a couple of individuals,' Moe said. An 18-year-old woman from Montreal Lake Cree Nation and a 36-year-old man from Pelican Narrows each face one count of arson, said RCMP. It's alleged the woman set the fire in a rural area near La Ronge. The man is accused of setting fires in a ditch near the turnoff to Snowden, northeast of Prince Albert. As of Friday, Saskatchewan had 24 active wildfires and Moe said between 10,000 and 15,000 people are out of their communities. 'Many if not virtually all of the fires that we're dealing with in Saskatchewan, although not intentionally, are human caused. Some of those have been intentionally human caused,' Moe said. Saskatchewan and Manitoba are both under a state of emergency, which makes it easier for different levels of government to co-ordinate a response. Manitoba has also received help from the military to evacuate residents, mainly in remote First Nations. Moe has faced calls from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the Opposition NDP to follow suit. 'Every available resource in Canada must be utilized to combat these wildfires,' FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron wrote in a letter to Moe. 'We cannot afford to let critical assistance go unused.' The premier said while his Saskatchewan Party government is in daily contact with federal officials, provincial emergency crews have so far been able to get evacuees out. Moe said the Canadian Red Cross was also working to set up shelters for evacuees in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. In Manitoba, the town of Snow Lake issued a mandatory evacuation order Friday due to a large wildfire threatening the area east of Flin Flon. 'You must leave because of the danger to your health and safety,' reads a notice on the town's Facebook page. That fire, which had grown to more than 3,000 square kilometres, has already forced out all 5,000 residents of the city of Flin Flon and about 1,000 more in surrounding homes and cottages. With Snow Lake evacuees added in, about 19,000 were out of their homes in Manitoba. About 27 fires were burning in the province, with eight classified as out of control. Earlier Friday, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said evacuees have found places to stay with friends or family, in hotels or in congregate shelters. Getting evacuees into private accommodations is tricky, he said, because many hotel rooms are being reserved for people with 'intense' medical issues. 'We just have to do a balancing act,' Kinew said. 'At this point, the big-picture challenge around rooms has largely been addressed. 'It's now just about the daily balancing act of triaging people coming in and people who are already in shelters and matching them up with rooms.' Shelters have been set up in Winnipeg, Thompson and Brandon. The City of Flin Flon said on social media that no structures have been lost in the community or across the boundary in nearby Creighton, Sask. 'Winds in the area are now blowing from the south, resulting in heavy smoke and fire moving towards the south side of Flin Flon,' it said. The city added that fire protection, including sprinklers, have been set up and firefighters are working to protect property. Provincial fire officials said evacuations have been completed at First Nations at Pukatawagan and Cross Lake. In northern Alberta, approximately 1,300 residents of the town of Swan Hills were allowed to return to their homes Thursday, about a week after fleeing from a wildfire. But about 340 kilometres west in the County of Grande Prairie, people in the Municipal District of Opportunity were ordered out. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. — With files from Steve Lambert in Winnipeg Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Provincial housing minister praised NDP program during visit to Penticton
British Columbia's Minister of Housing believes the provincial NDP government has come up with a funding model program established only two years ago that will be followed by government leaders across the country to allow Canadians to remain in housing they can afford. During a stop in Penticton Thursday afternoon, Ravi Kahlon, the provincial Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, revealed details about B.C.'s Rental Protection Fund, established back in 2023. As part of the fund, the provincial government announced the purchase of 14 homes at a housing complex located at 680 Wade Avenue East, purchased by the Penticton and District Society for Community Living. Kahlon said hundreds of families, seniors and individuals now have certainty that they can stay in homes they can afford due to the new funding provided by the Rental Protection Fund. 'I would say that the fear that many British Columbians have is when they drive by an encampment, many British Columbians think 'could that be me',' said Kahlon. 'When they see a 'For Sale' sign in front of their building, they think how close I could be if I lose my housing to be in a vulnerable situation. 'So while we address issues like the encampment here in Penticton, we have to ensure that the housing stock that we have protects the people that need it. That's the beauty of this Rental Protection Fund. Over 50 per cent of all the buildings purchased or sold last year, were purchased by the Rental Protection Fund. That is a significant shift of housing into the not-for-profit housing space.' The fund is not only allowing the government to protect the housing needed to provide a home for so many who are struggling to survive, but also ensuring that people can live dignified lives, said Kahlon. Kahlon said he and his government believe funding like this, which allows those struggling to access housing that is accessible and affordable, is going to become a national model for tackling Canada's affordable housing crisis. 'This program, I can guarantee you, will be scaled across the country,' he said. 'It's not whether the federal government wants to or doesn't want to. They have no choice because the data and success we're seeing in British Columbia is clear. 'We have multiple communities in today's announcement, but the reason I wanted to do it in Penticton was because Mayor and Council here are showing all councils across the province that you can be an active participant to protect the vulnerable people in your community and I'm hoping that it inspires other communities to do the same thing, so we can continue to expand this program going into the future. 'My message to the federal Housing Minister (former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson) is you don't need to spend time trying to figure it out, we have the solution. Just write us a cheque.' Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield, who attended Thursday's announcement with members of Council and senior city administration, had high praise for the program. 'Today's announcement highlights the success of our affordable housing pilot funding program,' he said. 'This program, along with our updated permissive tax-exemption policy, reflects our commitment to non-market housing and partnerships to protect affordable rentals so residents can stay in homes they can afford.' Raymond Kendell, a tenant in Penticton, was also ecstatic. 'I was worried I wouldn't find a place,' he said. 'It's expensive here in Penticton. I've lived here 4.5 years. I appreciate that the Penticton and District Society for Community Living improved our building. Most people in the building seem stress-free and much happier now.' Tarra Kenney, CEO, Penticton and District Society for Community Living (PDSCL), said the fund will help many people in Penticton and across the province. 'The acquisition of the apartments at 680 Wade Ave. E. in Penticton, made possible through the Rental Proection Fund (RPF), marks a significant step in ensuring affordable housing for our community,' she said. 'Thanks to this funding, PDSCL has been able to maintain lower rental rates, providing stability and accessibility for residents who need it most.' In the midst of a global housing affordability crisis and rising costs, the provincial NDP government is securing affordable housing that gives people stability and peace of mind to help them thrive in their communities, said Kahlon. 'When people lose their homes, it can be a real struggle to find another affordable rental and communities can lose the people who work in local businesses, schools and hospitals,' he said. 'We created the Rental Protection Fund to help people stay in the homes they can afford now and in the future.' To make sure more people throughout B.C. can remain in their homes affordably, the Rental Protection Fund has supported non-profit organizations to buy a total of 220 homes, including the 14 in Penticton. As well, they recently purchased: • Chilliwack: 85 homes at Camelot Apartments, bought by Affordable Housing Societies • Fort St. John: 18 homes at Alpine Lodge., and 24 homes at Grandview Townhomes., bought by Connective • Kamloops: 25 homes at Riverside Gardens, bought by Connective Kamloops • Prince George: 21 homes bought by More than a Roof Mennonite Housing Society • Vancouver: 33 homes in Abana Court., bought by the New Vista Society. To secure these homes, the Rental Protection Fund provided partners with more than $26 million in capital contributions and renewal grants, including approximately $2.3 million to improve the buildings and ensure the homes remain in good condition for the people living there, said Kahlon. 'We're safeguarding affordability for renters across the province in communities big and small,' said Katie Maslechko, CEO, Rental Protection Fund. 'These acquisitions show what's possible when governments, community housing providers and even residents work together to keep our housing Canadian and affordable through community ownership.' The homes range from studios to three bedrooms, and are suitable for the diverse needs of seniors, families and individuals. The homes are centrally located within walking distance of core services that people rely on, such as childcare, schools, parks and transit. 'I have lived here for the past eight years, and prior to the Penticton and District Society for Community Living acquiring the property, the uncertainty and constant worry about potentially having to move or paying one-third or more for rent elsewhere in the city was extremely unsettling,' said Vicki Rylander, a tenant in Penticton. 'Being on a limited income, such a change would have had a seriously negative impact on my financial stability.' The properties in this announcement are part of the nearly 1,600 homes protected through the fund since its launch in 2023. Based on its effect so far, the fund is on track to exceed its target of protecting 2,000 homes well ahead of schedule. The fund is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes delivered or underway, including more than 360 homes in Penticton. In January 2023, the Province made a historic initial investment of $500 million to establish the B.C. Rental Protection Fund. The fund provides one-time capital contributions to non-profit housing organizations so they can buy existing affordable rental buildings and co-operatives, protecting the people living there, safeguarding the units and keeping those units as affordable, long-term housing. On average, rents secured through the fund are 44 per cent lower than local market rates and are kept below market to ensure long-term affordability for people with low or moderate incomes. Rob Botterell, BC Green Party house leader; MLA for Saanich North and the Islands, praised the program. 'These projects show what's possible when communities and non-profits are given the tools to take housing off the speculative market,' he said. 'When we protect and expand affordable housing, we don't just solve the housing crisis - we make progress on health, education and economic stability. To create lasting change, we need continued and expanded support for protecting existing affordable homes.' Stephen Bennett, CEO, Affordable Housing Societies, was also pleased. 'We are grateful for the support of the Province through the Rental Protection Fund for our purchase of the Camelot apartments in Chilliwack,' he said. 'Because of this purchase, we have been able to ensure the residents of that building continue to have housing stability at rents they can afford.' Lee-Anne Michayluk, CEO, More Than A Roof Housing Society, credited the government for taking action on one of the most serious issues facing the province and its residents. 'This acquisition underscores our ongoing commitment to fostering strong, thriving communities by prioritizing sustainable and affordable housing solutions,' she said. 'We extend our appreciation to the RPF team and the provincial government as we work together to create lasting, positive impacts for current and future residents. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Manitoba premier eyes northern development that could include a pipeline
WINNIPEG - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew promoted his province Friday as the route for a future trade corridor, which could include a pipeline, in order to get goods from Western Canada to overseas markets. 'The politics are (that) something needs to get built in Western Canada. I think everybody understands that,' Kinew told a breakfast meeting of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. 'And if you've been following the news, B. C.? Ontario? Maybe. We'll see. But Manitoba's open for business, and I think in time Manitoba will show itself as a path to getting natural resources to tidewater across Canada.' The Alberta government has been pushing for a pipeline across northern British Columbia, but the idea is not supported by the B.C. government. Kinew said Manitoba is looking at boosting shipments through Hudson Bay, currently served by the Port of Churchill, which is ice-free for only a brief period every year. There have been calls for a second port on the bay, further south at Port Nelson, combined with more rail service and a pipeline, in order to boost exports to Europe and other destinations. Kinew said he's open to different options, but the private sector has to put forward ideas. A trade corridor could ship Manitoba's low-carbon hydroelectricity westward to the other Prairie provinces, he said. And a pipeline heading the other direction is a possibility. 'What is the product that makes sense? Are we going to be looking at liquefaction and then maybe it's a (liquefied natural gas) thing?' Kinew told reporters after his speech. 'Are we looking at oil and gas projects? Are we looking at something novel like green hydrogen or maybe a potash slurry? These are the things that we can signal to the private sector we're open to having a discussion about.' Pipeline development in the north could face opposition from environmentalists and others. Much of the area near the coast of Hudson Bay is protected, including Wapusk National Park. Kinew also told the business crowd Friday his NDP government is finalizing a memorandum with British Columbia to cut trade barriers between the two provinces. Similar to a recent deal with Ontario, it's aimed at allowing more goods and services to flow freely. Kinew said it will give Manitobans access to another big Canadian market. Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to break down internal trade barriers by Canada Day, and Ontario, Nova Scotia and other provinces have been working on reciprocal agreements. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025 Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
