SASKATOON — Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said he is in constant talks with his federal counterpart on the growing concerns of the province’s labour shortage, prompting renewed calls to reform federal immigration policies.
Reiter told SaskToday that the federal government’s restrictive quotas are affecting the province, including immigration and labour-related issues, which are causing problems and are a concern for employers.
“There's been no consensus reached. I've had a few conversations and discussions with the new federal immigration minister, Lena Metlege Diab. We had a virtual meeting last week with all the immigration ministers across the country,” said Reiter.
“Most provinces, like Saskatchewan, are pushing for changes. We certainly haven't got a definitive answer back yet. But we're supposed to be meeting in person this fall, so I'll be expressing your views on that as well.”
Reiter added that he hopes something changes in the future, as some workers in the province face situations of being underemployed or unemployed, and there are not enough workers to meet the increasing labour demand in specific sectors like mining, healthcare, and agriculture.
“Some sectors can't find enough employees. A good example of that is BHP, the mine in Janssen that's being built right now. They're looking for skilled workers all the time. It's one of the first things that comes up when I have meetings with BHP officials,” said Reiter.
He said that the restaurant industry is another that faces constant shortfall, a problem that the government is trying to address, which includes his regular meetings with industry leaders and other businesses.
“I met some folks in Moose Jaw, those in the restaurant industry, including fast food, they're extremely concerned with expiring work permits and the federal government extending them. There are not enough spots to fill, so several sectors are very concerned,” added Reiter.
Balanced approach
Saskatchewan NDP Regina Coronation Park MLA Noor Burki, the Immigration and Career Training Critic, echoed Reiter’s concerns and added that the province needs a balanced approach by training the local workforce and supporting newcomers who are already here.
Burki, who immigrated to Canada more than two decades ago, has long worked with newcomers and employers. He knows Saskatchewan businesses need workers, and the province needs the federal government’s help to address the labour shortage.
He pointed out a growing concern among temporary workers and international students, who are allowed 20 hours of work in part-time jobs across Saskatchewan, many of whom face an uncertain future.
“Our quota was 7,200, and now it’s been cut down to around 3,600 for 2025. Of those, 75 per cent are already here on temporary work permits. And many of those are about to expire. People are depressed,” Burki told SaskToday.
“They don’t know if they’ll be allowed to stay, even after studying or working here for years. We need action. These people are already here. They speak English. They contribute. They’re an asset. We don’t need to start from scratch. We just need to keep them.”
He cited Manitoba and New Brunswick, as their leaders negotiated to expand immigration allocations and extensions for expiring work permits, and he believes Saskatchewan should do the same to increase the workers to settle in the province.
“Our rural areas would thrive if we had the right people moving in. But the federal system isn’t allowing us to meet that demand. We’re not asking to flood the system. We’re asking for the right people — the ones already here — to be allowed to stay and contribute,” said Burki.
