Saskatoon Community

Moving to Saskatchewan? Got questions?

CBC podcast Good Question, Saskatchewan tackles some of the common questions newcomers have when immigrating to the province.

CBC podcast answers common queries from newcomers

A bridge spans a river, with some downtown-looking buildings in the background.
The Broadway Bridge in Saskatoon. (Alexander Quon/CBC)

Stream Good Question, Saskatchewan on CBC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Saad Ahmed Hashmi is preparing to move his family to Saskatoon from Karachi, Pakistan.

He's excited about what lies ahead but also has many questions about how to set his family up for success in their new community.

"We are eager to learn more about Saskatoon and would like to ensure a smooth transition for our family."

Hashmi sent a series of questions to the CBC podcast Good Question, Saskatchewan.

Saad Ahmed Hashmi and his young family are hoping to start a new life in Saskatchewan. It can feel daunting. How do they choose a safe place to live? Will he be able to find a doctor? Come with us as we source some answers for Saad.

Hashmi asked about where to live, how to get a job, the quality of public transportation and safety.

Many of his questions don't have simple answers.

"Safety is paramount for every newcomer," he said. "May you provide insights into the overall safety of neighbourhoods in Saskatoon?"

What is public transportation like? What is the cost of living? We help answer more of Saad Ahmed Hashmi’s questions as he prepares to move his family to the province.

Marwah Al-Mufti, a settlement co-ordinator with the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, said they give newcomers a crime map from Saskatoon Police to help them see for themselves where some crime takes place.

"We share it with them. They can check it. But we also encourage them to see the area, the neighbourhood, as well when they start looking for the house."

After posing these questions and listening to people like Al-Mufti, Hashmi is feeling confident about his move.

"What puts me at ease the most is hearing about these strong support networks and the friendly, inclusive atmosphere in Saskatchewan."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leisha Grebinski

Radio and podcast host

Leisha Grebinski is the host of CBC Radio's Blue Sky. Listen to Blue Sky weekdays from 12 to 1 p.m. CST on 102.5 FM (Regina and area), 94.1 FM (Saskatoon and area) or 540 AM across the province. Grebinski also hosts Good Question Saskatchewan, a local podcast helping you answer questions about your community each week.