The Saskatchewan provincial government has introduced a new legislation aimed at safeguarding newcomers to the province, with a particular focus on shielding them from potential fraud.
On Monday, the Immigration Services Act was introduced, encompassing various objectives including providing assistance to newcomers and employers alike.
Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, emphasized the significance of immigration to Saskatchewan’s economic expansion. “This strengthened legislation will support and protect newcomers and employers, and ensure Saskatchewan is able to attract and retain the labor force we need to support our growing economy and communities,” said Harrison in a statement.
The newly proposed legislation aims to bolster Saskatchewan’s capacity to aid newcomers upon their arrival, streamline the process for employers seeking to hire foreign workers, and establish a comprehensive program integrity framework.
According to official statements, the act will furnish greater safeguards to foreign workers against exploitation and will exercise oversight over recruiters, immigration consultants, and non-compliant employers. Additionally, it will equip the province with enhanced investigative powers and enforcement measures to combat immigration fraud, including the imposition of higher maximum fines for offenses and the authorization of administrative monetary penalties for non-compliance.
“With the most aggressive foreign worker protection legislation and the most robust program integrity framework in the country, the new legislation provides concrete consequences for those who attempt to misuse immigration programs in the province,” stated the government release.
Furthermore, the legislation is set to enable the government to expand settlement services, encompassing pre-arrival support and long-term retention assistance.
The expectation is that the enactment of this new law will assist employers in the province grappling with labor shortages. The immigration legislation aligns with the province’s new Labour Market Strategy.
“The province already has one of the most effective credential recognition systems in Canada, and with the introduction of this new legislation, Saskatchewan will be better positioned to attract and retain the skilled workforce it needs to fill critical job vacancies in the province,” the release added.
In 2022, the Saskatchewan government had put forth the Saskatchewan Immigration Accord, aiming to grant the province greater autonomy over immigration matters. The introduction of the new act is viewed as a significant step towards achieving that objective.