The Government of Saskatchewan is joining the other provinces in asking the federal government for more control over immigration.
“Saskatchewan requires more autonomy and flexibility over immigration in order to meet its economic needs and address gaps in the labour market,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a news release. “Canada should be focusing its efforts on reducing processing times for applications and let the provinces select immigrants and ensure their effective settlement.”
In a news release, the Sask Government is asking for similar controls to what Quebec has, under an agreement known as the Quebec Charter.
“When it comes to immigration Saskatchewan expects the same deal as Quebec. Immigration is a key component of our government’s plan to grow the province to 1.4 million people and create an additional 100,000 jobs by 2030,” Harrison said. “Provincial governments are in the best position to respond to local labour market needs with new Canadians. The provinces should not be limited by economic categories or caps on provincial nominee programs set by the federal government.”
Other provinces have expressed an interest in having more control over immigration. So far, there hasn’t been any response from the federal government.