Welcoming Ukrainians to Manitoba

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/07/2022 (329 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On May 23, colleagues and I welcomed 328 Ukraine nationals to Manitoba. This was the first of three federal charter flights to Canada; the others landed in Montréal on May 29 and in Halifax on June 2.

It was a very emotional time, seeing individuals and families who had travelled for hours and days to find safety within our borders. They received a warm welcome as members of Manitoba’s large Ukrainian community came out to meet them. Saint Boniface – Saint Vital is home to over 13,000 residents with Ukrainian heritage, many of whom have been supporting efforts to welcome refugees of the war in Ukraine.

In order to help Ukrainian refugees, we launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) for individuals fleeing Ukraine, which offers safe harbour for up to three years. As of May 25, Canada had approved more than 120,000 applications through CUAET. We have also expanded settlement services until March 31, 2023 for temporary residents under the CUAET. Key services include language training, orientation to life in Canada, and services to access the labour market.

In addition, we have extended temporary status and issued open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are in Canada and cannot go home.

We are also providing short-term income support and temporary hotel accommodation for up to two weeks for Ukrainian refugees entering Canada, as well as transitional financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians in Canada, including a one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under).

If you are looking for help for family and/or friends from Ukraine, there is a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at +1-613-321-4243. Adding the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form will prioritize the request. My office is also available to help with enquiries.

Вітаємо в Манітобі та Канаді! I know all Manitobans will receive you with open arms.

Dan Vandal
Saint Boniface-Saint Vital constituency report

Dan Vandal is the Liberal MP for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital.

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