Located in the prairie region of Canada, Saskatchewan is best known as the sunniest province of Canada, with an average of 2,000 to 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. Saskatchewan, along with Alberta make up the only two landlocked provinces of Canada.
With a population of just over 1.1 million people, Saskatchewan has 2 major cities. The city of Regina is the first major city. It is also the capital city of Saskatchewan with a population of approximately 240,000 people. Saskatoon is the other major city with a population of over 300,000 people.
The universal medicare plan originated in Saskatchewan. The province has a vibrant art and culture scene, with a lot of activities and recreational opportunities for residents.
What Are the Benefits of Immigrating to Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan has a diverse economy with an abundance of natural resources. Therefore, there are a wide variety of employment opportunities available for newcomers. Many newcomers also choose Saskatchewan for its affordable and high standard of living. The average household income in Saskatchewan is around the national average. The average price to buy a house in the capital city, Regina is around $297,000.
The Saskatchewan government charges no personal premiums or personal charges for basic health services. The provincial sales tax rate is at 6%, the lowest of any province in Canada. The commute time in all major cities in the province is around 20 minutes. The public education system is world-class and offers free-of-cost secondary education to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. In addition to that, graduates from certain specified post-secondary programs can get up to $20,000 tuition rebate under the Graduate Retention Program.
What Are the Demographics of Saskatchewan?
The major ethnic group in Saskatchewan is Germans, followed by English, Irish and Scottish. It is a predominantly English-speaking region with almost 87% of the population being fluent in English and Aboriginal languages accounting for only 5%.
How Is Education in Saskatchewan?
Currently, Saskatchewan has over 19 colleges. The two major universities include the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina. These universities offer a wide range of study programs for both local and international students.
How Is the Economy in Saskatchewan?
The economy in Saskatchewan primarily relies on agriculture and natural resource extraction. Saskatchewan is a significant producer of wheat, barley, beef, and other food grains. The province is the third-largest exporter of durum wheat and the top exporter of lentils and dry peas.
The oil and gas industry is also thriving with Saskatchewan providing 1/3rd of all the potassium and 1/5th of the world’s uranium. Saskatchewan is also the fifth-largest producer of oil in North America. According to the Saskatchewan Detailed Occupational Outlook, the following occupations will be in demand between now and 2023:
- Administrative Officers
- Elementary School Teachers
- Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents
- Managers in Agriculture
- Nurse Aides and Orderlies
- Registered Nurses
- Retail Salesperson
- Retail and wholesale managers
- Transport Truck Drivers