Build a life in Saskatchewan, Canada – There’s an App for that.
International Women of Saskatoon (IWS) launches the Welcome to Saskatchewan app for those immigrating to Canada.
Rolling out the welcome mat has become digital for Saskatchewan newcomers thanks to an app centered around making it easier for new Canadians to connect to their new home.
The Welcome to Saskatchewan app, launched by the International Women of Saskatoon and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, provides newcomers and immigrants with a comprehensive path to building a life in Canada.
“Settling into a new life in a new country is never an easy experience, but we want it to be,” says Ijeoma Nwamuo, Executive Director, International Women of Saskatoon. “Digital technology is critical to connecting with and supporting those on a journey to become new Canadians. The Welcome to Saskatchewan app helps navigate and provide a real map on how to access valuable resources to give people a head start.”
For new immigrants challenged with mobility and transport availability, language barriers, and balancing life priorities, the settlement experience has been simplified by providing important information and key milestones that they can access at their convenience.
Pre-arrival services, checklists for essential documents, access to support and resources, assistance for language assessments and employment guidance are all part of the Welcome to Saskatchewan experience.
“We know that getting to Canada is one thing, but successfully integrating into the community is what makes newcomers really feel at home,” says the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “This new app that the International Women of Saskatoon has developed will ensure that newcomers to Saskatchewan have all the information and support they need right at their fingertips.”
Prior to the pandemic, Saskatchewan welcomed on average about 15,000 immigrants to the province each year. The largest number of immigrants to Canada come from India, China, and the Philippines. Over 2,000 newcomers accessed immigrant services provided by the IWS in the fiscal year 2020-2021.
The app is available on the Apple store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices.
Interviews with the International Women of Saskatoon and recent immigrants to Saskatchewan are available to media to discuss the impacts of this new app to the settlement process.
International Women of Saskatoon (IWS) Inc.
International Women of Saskatoon (IWS) is a non-profit, grassroots and an equality-seeking women’s organization dedicated to improving the status of immigrant and refugee women and their families residing in Saskatoon and area by assisting them to become full participating members in all aspects of the Canadian society.
Media Contact
Ijeoma Nwamuo, Executive Director
International Women of Saskatoon (IWS)
Email: [email protected] Phone: 306-881-5059