Sask., Vietnam sign deal on immigration, workers
Agreement will bring influx of new workers
By Jason Warick
The StarPhoenix
January 17, 2010 8:06 AM
Saskatchewan government officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Friday with a Vietnamese delegation visiting Saskatoon.
The goal is to bring more Vietnamese workers, students and entrepreneurs to the province, Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said following the signing ceremony at the Saskatoon Cabinet Office downtown.
Norris said the agreement will “contribute to the mutual growth of Saskatchewan and Vietnam. It's a great day.”
Vietnam's ambassador to Canada, Nguyen Duc Hung, told reporters he “fell in love with this province” over the course of several visits.
He said an influx of Vietnamese migrants to Saskatoon will “bring new energy and ideas” and stimulate the economy. It will also help Vietnamese students and workers learn new skills.
Some will stay in Saskatchewan and perhaps send money home to relatives. Others may work here for a period and return to their homeland.
Hung said Vietnam noticed Saskatchewan had recently signed a similar agreement with the Philippines, and they wanted to be part of such a beneficial arrangement.
The agreement follows similar ones already reached between the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina and SIAST.
Under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, 2,914 people applied for residence in Saskatchewan, 52 of which were from Vietnam. The goal for the current year is 3,400 nominees, with significant growth from Vietnam.
