March 31, 2022. OTTAWA, ON. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) welcomes the announcement by the Government of Canada of some temporary expanded federal supports for Ukrainian displaced persons arriving in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).
While this is a step in the right direction, the UCC remains concerned that what the government has announced to date does not go far enough.
“We are pleased to see the federal government expand support for Ukrainian displaced persons but remain concerned about the gaps in meeting basic needs,” stated Ihor Michalchyshyn, UCC CEO. “The vast majority of the Ukrainians who will be coming to Canada seeking refuge from Russia’s unprovoked war are women and children. Most will arrive with nothing. They need to be assured that basic needs will be met in the initial period of resettlement. This includes, first and foremost, a safe way to get to Canada and then a safety net that includes housing and health services. “
Yesterday the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that Settlement Program services will be extended for one year for Ukrainians coming to Canada under the CUAET. The news release from the Government of Canada is available here.
The UCC continues to urge the federal government to:
- Continue working to implement an orderly plan to bring displaced persons to Canada engaging government, corporate and individual donors;
- Implement a 90-day transition plan for newcomers that includes provision for basic necessities such as food, shelter, and access to health care;
- Arrange for health care in all provinces and territories, including PTSD counselling for adults and children who have been traumatized by war;
- Arrange for access to schooling for children in all provinces and territories;
- Provide federal childcare funding for displaced families;
The full list of recommendations provided to the Department of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship by the UCC is available here.
The Ukrainian Canadian community and Canadians all across the country are eager to help – and we look to the federal government to fund its commitment to Ukrainian displaced people and to dedicate the resources that an effective, compassionate Canadian response demands.
