A year has passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on the 24th of February. IRCC and Canadian provinces continue to support Ukrainians. It includes a unique immigration pathway, additional settlement services, and non-taxable benefits.
Over 7 million Ukrainians have fled their homes since February 2022, according to UNHCR. Poland and Moldova are two neighboring countries where some refugees have sought refuge. Others have settled further abroad, including in Canada.
What measures is Canada taking to support Ukrainians who have been displaced?
Canada has helped displaced people, including refugees, throughout times of distress. For example, from November 2015 to February 2016, Canada resettled 25,000 Syrian refugees, and more recently, following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, Canada promised to assist 40,000 Afghan refugees. Through various immigration channels, 28,285 Afghan refugees have come to Canada according to the latest statistics from the IRCC.
Ukraine’s displaced citizens have been approached differently by Canada. CUAET – (Canadian-Ukrainian Emergency Travel Authorization) is frequently used to allow them into Canada rather than refugee status.
Under the CUAET, Ukrainians, and members of their immediate families may temporarily remain in Canada for a maximum of three years, regardless of their nationality. Visitor visas are free, and open work permits can also be applied for at the same time. However, many Ukrainians find it extremely difficult to travel to Canada because they must self-fund all trips. Out of the 862,386 applications that Canada has received so far, 559,868 have been granted, and a little over 167,000 Ukrainians have already arrived.
Challenges and Successes in IRCC’s Response to the Ukrainian Crisis: Insights from Ukrainian Canadian Congress CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn
Ukrainian Canadian Congress CEO Ihor Michalchyshyn spoke recently to Media about IRCC’s handling of the Ukrainian crisis. Michalchyshyn says the response has thus far been largely ad hoc but has been effective for the majority of affected individuals. According to him, this success is a result of a joint effort between the federal and provincial governments. It provides income support, housing, training, and language assistance, as well as the community’s focus on facilitating integration and creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Michalchyshyn says IRCC’s assistance to Ukrainian newcomers needs to be improved despite the progress made. The lack of reliable data is one of these challenges, as individuals are responsible for making their travel arrangements, which makes tracking their locations difficult. Because of this, charities and volunteers are reliant on arrivals at airports to locate and welcome people. Despite some data about where individuals register for healthcare and income disbursements. There is still a need for more information about where they arrive and their specific needs.
Michalchyshyn also points out that the temporary nature of the Canada-Ukraine Agreement for Emergency Benefit for Newcomers (CUAEN) makes accessing certain government services difficult for newcomers. The UCC and several settlement services have petitioned the government to extend the deadline beyond March 31. But the program will not accept applications after this date. It is hard to forecast when this conflict will finish due to the nature of the conflict.
IRCC and Canadian provinces continue to support Ukrainians – Other support measures
A 14-day service standard is followed by IRCC for all CUAET applications.
CUAET members are also eligible for an additional one-time, non-taxable incentive of $3,000 for adults and $1,500 for children under 17 years old. Benefits under this scheme are set to end on June 4, 2023. Newcomers from Ukraine only receive this benefit as settlement funding.
Support programs are also available at the provincial level. Ukrainians who wish to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry process frequently receive invitations to apply for a provincial nomination in Manitoba.
Students escaping the Ukraine conflict no longer have to pay the study health fee in British Columbia. An IRCC-issued study permit and MSP (British Columbia’s health program) enrollment require a $75 monthly fee for all adults over five. New immigrants from Ukraine can also find help and guidance on the province’s webpage.
During the month of August last year, New Brunswick drastically reduced fees for newly arrived Ukrainian immigrants who already possess a Ukrainian driver’s license. The provincial passenger vehicle license is $90 for drivers who have had at least two years of experience. It is still necessary for them to present proof of identity and have their eyes examined.
In Ontario, Ukrainian newcomers can take advantage of a number of support measures, including:
- Mental health services are included in OHIP – (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) coverage for Ukrainians.
- As part of the OHIP or as an emergency income assistance program, Ukrainian newcomers may be eligible for drug benefits.
- As long as Ukrainians do not have long-term accommodations, settlement agencies, and Ukrainian community organizations provide emergency housing.
- Publicly funded schools in Ontario are free for Ukrainian elementary and secondary students.
Ukrainians are also being assisted in settling in Canada by a number of philanthropic groups. More than 500 people have been flown to Canada by 4Ukraine.ca, and 1,000 resumes have been created for them. And more than $275,000 has been raised for charity.
Efforts of Canadians to support Ukrainian newcomers
All Canadians are welcome to volunteer and donate to help Ukrainians domestically and abroad, according to the Canadian government. The government-provided accommodation is advantageous to newcomers. Volunteers are matched with Ukrainians’ housing needs in each province by groups.
By taking a few simple steps, employers using jobbank.ca can also state that they are interested in hiring a Ukrainian immigrant.
- Become a registered employer on Job Bank.
- New job postings should be written in draught form and saved.
- Get in touch with Job Bank, referencing the job posting’s identification number, to express interest in recruiting Ukrainian nationals.
A number of companies are investing in employing Ukrainians and improving their language skills to fill temporary labor gaps, according to Michalchyshyn. It remains difficult for newcomers entering Canada through CUAET to access professional accreditation. Also, the a language barrier, particularly in the medical field. It has been reported that many Ukrainian doctors and nurses have been overwhelmed with emotion as a result of the recertification process in Canada.
According to Michalchyshyn, despite the challenges, Ukrainian newcomers arrive in Canada with hope and resilience. He emphasizes Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as a democracy against tyranny. And expresses gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the Ukrainian people.
