Saskatchewan is known as a prairie province and has a population of just over 1 million people. Most of these are resident in the southern part of the state, with one fifth making their homes in the capital of the province, Regina. Other major urban areas include Prince Albert, Yorkton and North Battleford. Much of the population of the province is descended from European settlers. There is a growing community of expats in the province, with many of these also coming from European countries such as the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

It has a mainly humid continental climate, as it is not influenced by the oceans, and although the northern parts of the province have a subarctic climate, summer temperatures can be high.

Saskatchewan – Employment

Much of the economy in Saskatchewan is associated with agriculture but this is increasingly being overtaken by other types of industry. Mining is becoming stronger each year, particularly for uranium. Those who have mining experience may be in demand as the number of working mines grows. There is a growing gas and oil industry in the region and there are opportunities at all levels for experienced workers. The financial sector also employs a large number of people, as does the educational sector and other government departments.

There is a shortage of teachers and medical staff in the region, particularly in rural areas, so those applying for a work visa on the basis of these qualifications have a good chance of being accepted. The government of Saskatchewan has a comprehensive website which is designed to help those who wish to move to the region. There are links to job vacancies and opportunities within the government itself are listed on the site. Advice is given on the validity of your current qualifications and the steps that need to be taken to obtain any relevant licenses.

Saskatchewan – Property

The province capital, Regina, has several neighbourhoods that are ideal for those who are considering a move to the region. The Sherwood Estates and McCarthy Park district is ideally placed for those who need to travel to other areas of the city. There are good primary schools in the district and there is a high school just a short distance away. Most of the houses in the area are detached single storey homes and property prices are low in comparison to other parts of the country.

The Glencairn district of the town is known for being a tranquil part of the town, but is home to a number of cultural attractions such as the Dunlop Art Gallery. There are several schools to choose from and the area has good shopping and leisure facilities. The houses in the area are a mix of single storey and split level homes and there are several apartment buildings in the neighbourhood. Property prices start fairly low but cover a wide range of budgets. The Albert Park district has both a new and old section but only has a couple of schools to choose from. Most of the homes are older properties but range in size and style. Starting prices are higher in Albert Park than in other districts but still cover different budgets.

The city of Prince Albert has several good neighbourhoods which are worth consideration. The Carlton Park area is a small neighbourhood which has a population of less than 3000 people. There is no industry in the area but there are some shops and other small businesses. There are good schools in the area and house prices are on a par with the city’s average. Homes in the area are mainly detached family homes and most have good sized gardens.

The district of Crescent Acres in Prince Albert is a similar neighbourhood to Carlton Park but on a slightly bigger scale. It is also a mainly residential area with detached family homes and industry is kept to a minimum. It is ideally located for those who need to travel to other parts of the city and property prices are very similar to Carlton Park. In contrast, the Downtown area of Prince Albert is a very commercial district and residential properties in the district are mainly apartments, although they do not exist in any great numbers. These are mainly rented by those who work in the area and prices are on a par with the average for the region.