With the growing immigrant population in Saskatoon, a global gathering accommodation needs more space. The Canadian organization which works for the welfare of newcomers in Saskatoon, in April opened a new establishment at 100 Fifth Ave. North. This is the non-profit organization’s third location in 14 years.
photo: http://canadaforvisa.net
The new centre is located behind the St. Paul’s cathedral and offers ample space for immigrants. This center accommodates a full-fledged kitchen, office space, classrooms, a children’s recreational room and a computer lab. In other words, the center provides various learning opportunities. It is said that the center was facing stiff competition from other social organizations for basic amenities and room rentals. The programs were spread across different locations including the one in Saskatoon community service village.
The new center will offer assistance to newcomers in Canada. The drop-in center has welcomed 120 new clients in five weeks. Podrug said the centers were in great demand courtesy of the large number of immigrants pouring in Canada each year. It has been noted that temporary workers prefer these centers. The non-profit center has assisted thousands of immigrants to settle in Canada. The center offers various programs that focus on community integration, language skills, overall development of children and health benefits.
Belma Podrug said the diversity in Canada affect all aspects of life. Besides this, it alters the attitude and outlook of people for the betterment of the society. Don Atchison, mayor of Saskatoon said the non-profit center enhances the quality of life newcomers. In order to make Saskatoon more cosmopolitan, these centers need to flourish. He also said such global centers help newcomers to adapt to the new environment of Canada. He said people belonging to diverse cultures come to Canada and face several hurdles.
According to official figures provided by the provincial government, about 12000 immigrants come to Saskatchewan each year. Presently, people from over a 180 countries live in 325 community centers. Experts believe that such centers should grow in number if Canada aims at satisfying the labor demands and continue intake of immigrants in the future. Both the provincial and federal governments are funding the non-profit organization in moving and conducting welfare programs.
While the Ottawa government gave the organization about $500000 for the financial year 2011-2012 they contributed province contributed about $340000 between 2011 and 2013. Director of citizenship and Immigration Canada for the province of Saskatchewan Chris Gelineau said the immigration department is seeking to help newcomers to contribute towards Canada’s prosperity. In order to run the new center, the organization has added about 120 volunteers to the supporting staff.
