Refugees put Manitoba in unique position

Fort Garry

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/01/2024 (595 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Manitobans, we take pride in being a province of safety and hope for Canadian newcomers. We see the value of our cultural mosaic, and nothing makes this more apparent than our refugee community in Manitoba. While making up only three per cent of the national population, Manitoba receives about 17 per cent of Ukrainian newcomers fleeing the war in Ukraine. Winnipeg is also home to the third-highest Ukrainian newcomer population in Canada. Manitoba has quickly become the preferred destination for Ukrainian refugees. Many arrive in our province as highly skilled and educated professionals ready to contribute and enrich our social, economic and cultural life.

Manitoba’s large influx of Ukrainian refugees puts our province in a unique position. With many settling in Winnipeg’s south and east areas, including Fort Garry, the need for child care and education support has been amplified. Affordable daycare, inclusive school programming and increased English language courses are some of the most commonly identified needs for our growing Ukrainian refugee population. Our new government is committed to stabilizing K-12 school funding, improving adult literacy and hiring more teachers and educational assistants to address student needs. We look forward to continuing to support our newcomers in successfully integrating into our province through investments, community collaboration, and legislation.

In working with incredible organizations such as the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, our government continues to ensure that Manitoba remains the province of choice for Manitoban newcomers. Our team diligently works to support our new Manitobans, aiding them in their search for housing, jobs, healthcare and education. The federal government expects 7,000 more Ukrainian newcomers in Manitoba before the end of March 2024, the largest post-war immigration in Manitoba’s history. This uniquely positions Manitoba to explore the best way to integrate those fleeing war. If we are successful, we can become a model for the rest of the country.

I look forward to continuing our government’s commitment to providing a full range of support and services for our growing newcomer population in Manitoba. I am also excited to explore new and efficient support options that benefit refugees. You can always get in contact with me through my office at 202-1383 Pembina Hwy. You can also reach out via email mark.wasyliw@yourmanitoba.ca or by phone 204-421-4241.