MOOSE JAW — A recent immigration forum hosted by Prairie Skies Integration Network (PSIN) has led to a new action plan aimed at improving newcomer integration and retention in the region’s immigration landscape.
The community conversation on immigration drew a strong turnout including policymakers, community organizations, and stakeholders.
“It was a well attended event,” said Jide Kassim, assistant project manager for PSIN. “We had attendees from policy makers to the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, (as well as) Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We had a few employers… newcomers… and so many service providers as well.”
The focus was on exploring immigration from multiple angles, with the goal of identifying and overcoming challenges. The forum sought to create a space for constructive dialogue and find real, actionable solutions.
“It was a discussion about the benefits of immigration in our region,” Kassim said. “We talked about the challenges to immigration when it comes to the host communities and… the newcomers themselves… to try and provide solutions to make everyone’s lives better.”
Exploring solutions
Employment and credential recognition emerged as key discussion areas, particularly in fields such as health care and engineering where foreign-trained professionals often face long and costly re-certification processes. Attendees called for more bridging programs and supervised work placements, as well as a streamlined and centralized recognition system to help newcomers enter the workforce sooner.
To support more inclusive workplaces, stakeholders proposed cultural competency workshops for local employers, along with mentorship and buddy programs designed to ease newcomers’ transition into a new job and workplace culture. Promoting inclusive hiring practices and encouraging participation in multicultural events were recommended as ways to build understanding between employers and immigrant employees.
Community infrastructure was another central focus. Participants highlighted the need for increased access to affordable housing and improved public transit — especially for newcomers who work non-traditional hours and don’t have their own vehicle.
The creation of municipal newcomer advisory committees was suggested to ensure local policy reflects the needs of a diverse population.
Throughout the meeting, public-private partnerships were promoted as a means to address labour shortages using skilled newcomer talent.
Next steps
Looking ahead, PSIN is committed to turning these insights into meaningful action. The organization will begin by circulating follow-up surveys to attendees, gathering testimonials, and tracking the implementation of recommendations through future meetings and working groups.
Among the next steps are advocacy efforts aimed at improving immigration policy, the creation of a community-led action plan focused on newcomer retention and workforce integration, and the establishment of a standing focus group to guide long-term strategies. PSIN also plans to strengthen collaborations with employers, policymakers, and service providers across Saskatchewan.
While no firm timeline has been set, implementation of the proposed solutions is expected to unfold “as soon as is realistically possible.” Further consultations and sector-specific engagement will guide the process.
“It’s not something that can be tackled or addressed in just a single event,” Kassim said. “It’s going to be an ongoing process.”
Kassim also noted that the rollout will likely vary depending on the sector, with different organizations interpreting and applying the recommendations according to their own capacities and mandates.
“It’s about looking critically at it and getting the right people involved in each of these areas,” he explained.
The full report, titled “Community Conversation on Immigration: Final Report and Action Plan” and prepared by Emeka Elemamba of Regina-based Amahd Consulting Inc., will be available online at PSINetwork.ca in the coming weeks.
Prairie Skies Integration Network is located at 432 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-690-2324. For more information visit PSINetwork.ca.
