Characterized by vast fields and open spaces, Saskatchewan is a Canadian prairie province in part of the country and is one of only two provinces that are completely landlocked, the other one is Alberta. The province has an area of 651,900 km² and a population of over 1 million, with over 70% living in the southern half of the province. Alberta borders it on the west, the Northwest Territories on the north, Manitoba on the east, Nunavut on the northeast, and the US states of Montana and North Dakota on the south. Approximately half of the population lives in Saskatoon, the province’s largest city, or Regina, the provincial capital. Fresh water covers over 10% of Saskatchewan’s total area largely in the form of rivers, reservoirs, and the province’s 100,000 lakes.
Health Care
Landed immigrants are eligible for health coverage in Saskatchewan. In order to receive health benefits, you must register with Saskatchewan Health Services and obtain a Health Services card.
Weather
The climate is Humid Continental, with hot, humid summers, and bitterly cold winters. Blizzards and sub-zero temperatures are common.
Education
Until the 1940s, most of the primary and secondary schools were 1-room schoolhouses. Nowadays, Saskatchewan is far more developed with 19 colleges, all excellent in their relative fields.
The University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina are among the top learning institutions in Canada, offering a wide-ranging collection of courses to both local and international students. Dedication to conserving and celebrating the Aboriginal culture is taught at the University of Saskatchewan, with business, arts and sciences, and many other courses designed to teach young people about the culture.
Career/Jobs
In order to be employed in the Saskatchewan province, the first step is to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon as you arrive. Ensure your credentials are assessed with the Canadian Centre for International Credentials. Contact Red Seal, a nation-wide trade certification organization to obtain a trade certification. Register with the appropriate provincial regulatory organization for your profession. If required, register for language classes to improve your English or French language skills. The University of Saskatchewan offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.
Following these steps will ensure that you are prepared to begin working in Saskatchewan.
Housing
Most rental housing in Canada is owned by individuals or by companies. Some of them have lower rental rates because it is subsidized by the government, but it is specifically for people with low to moderate incomes.
When you find a property that you are interested in renting, consider whether it is safe, is big enough for the number of people who would live there; and is close to public transportation.
If you’re renting, it’s a good idea to have insurance.There are two types of coverage:
Liability coverage protects you in case you damage the building or others are injured when they visit your home, and Content coverage protects you for loss or damage to your personal belongings caused by insured risks including fire, smoke, and theft.
If you plan on buying a house, there are several options available for sale, such as Condominiums; Townhouses; Single or detached homes; Semi-detached; and Duplexes.
Cost of living
Many immigrants choose to live in Saskatchewan because of the high standard and affordable cost of living. The average income for residents here is around the Canadian average and housing costs sit at an average house price in Regina of $297,000.Saskatchewan has a strong tradition of publicly-funded social programs that make a major contribution to maintaining high standards of living for all residents of the province.
Economy
Since the late 19th century, the economy has been centered on agriculture and livestock production. Saskatchewan produces a significant amount of wheat, barley, and other grains, and only Alberta produces more beef. During the 20th century, oil drilling and natural gas extraction has also become important. Tourism, in the form of hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping is also a booming industry.