Released on October 1, 2009
Saskatchewan's Minister Responsible for Immigration, Rob Norris, today launched a new process for the Entrepreneur Category of the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) that will improve processing times, attract investment and foster the creation of more jobs in Saskatchewan. The SINP expects to nominate 250 entrepreneurs and managers by the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year.
"This new process will make Saskatchewan more competitive in Canada," Norris said. "It will bring talented managers and entrepreneurs to the province, it will spread opportunities for investment to more communities and create jobs for Saskatchewan people."
Under the new process, applicants to the Entrepreneur Category of the SINP can expect to have their completed applications processed within six months as part of a faster, more transparent and more predictable process. Applicants will be encouraged to work more closely with Saskatchewan stakeholders to ensure that investments will benefit both the applicant and Saskatchewan's business community.
The process includes three new streams for the Entrepreneur Category. The Large Scale Investor stream will require an investment of $10 million or more. The Science and Technology stream will be open to people who have a patent, innovative idea or plan to partner with an existing Saskatchewan science and technology entity. The Young Farmer stream, aimed at experienced farmers under age 40, is intended to encourage young families to move to rural Saskatchewan to assist succession planning for farming operations. Two other streams will be added in the near future; a stream for entrepreneurs to partner with First Nations and Métis businesses and communities as well as a stream to facilitate business succession in the province.
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For more information, contact:
Daniela Machuca
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716
Email: daniela.machuca@gov.sk.ca