Province announces Additional Supports for Ukrainian Newcomers

Province announces Additional Supports for Ukrainian Newcomers

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Local dignitaries and elected officials along with members of the Premier’s Advisory Task force on Ukraine gathered together at the Basilian Fathers Museum in Mundare for a special announcement on March 21.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was joined by Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism and Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Ukrainian Settlement for the announcement.

According to the Government of Alberta, A total of 26,572 Ukrainians have been welcomed into the province since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has directed more than $28 million to date in support and services to help evacuees resettle in Alberta. With more evacuees expected to arrive as the invasion enters its second year, Budget 2023 would provide $2.1 million in additional supports for pre-arrival services and a Ukrainian Help Line to streamline information and available resources.

The creation of a help desk is a direct result of the recommendations of the Premier’s Advisory Task Force on Ukraine. It will help ensure that Ukrainian evacuees and the organizations that serve them can get timely, accurate information in the language of their choosing.

“The task force has done crucial work in uncovering gaps in supports for Ukrainian evacuees. It also ensured we are providing support where it will have the biggest impact. As a government, we have a responsibility to get this right for these evacuees, and the advice from the task force is ensuring we do,” stated Sawhney.

Michelle Palsitt, Andrew Boitchenko, Ed Stelmach, Danielle Smith, Rajan Sawhney, Carol Slukynski, Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk and Orysia Boychuk.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Armstrong-Homeniuk said, “The task force has done an outstanding job of quickly determining what needs to be done to ensure effective services are available to help Ukrainian newcomers thrive here just like the generations of Ukrainians who’ve come before them have done.”

Premier Smith said, “Our government is committed to helping the thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge here. Thanks to the efforts of so many tireless volunteers in addition to work by our government, Ukrainian newcomers have access to numerous resources available to them to integrate into communities across Alberta smoothly and successfully.”

Sawhney said that about 600,000 Visas were approved and we have over 226,000 Ukrainian temporary residents right now. Armstrong-Homeniuk added that, “About 24 percent of the arrivals to Canada are coming into Alberta. With people sitting in que, etc. we expect that we’ll probably have 125,000 come to Alberta if the stats, the percentages stay the same.”

Premier Smith, (green dress and blue blazer) with task force members and local dignitaries.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Following the announcement, Mundare Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu commented that it is “fantastic news” for Ukrainian people coming to Alberta. “I would have liked to see some of the money that is being given to help with the rural communities that are housing displaced families. And what does the future look like for the rural areas that are in need of financial support to house even more families that potentially want to live in our communities.”

Vegreville Mayor Tim MacPhee said, “Well again, it’s the Province recognizing how important the role that displaced Ukrainians are having in our communities and the jobs they’re taking, and helping businesses small and large in our province. And they see the future right now and looking to bring in people as bad as the situation is right now it is really helping us. Getting that funding here is important and it’s urgent. I see nothing but a benefit to the province.

Premier Smith speaks while Rajan Sawhney, left, and Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk listen to her remarks.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Sandi Humeniuk, a liaison with Vegreville and Areas Stands With Ukraine Committee, is one of the first points of contact with Ukrainians interested in coming to the community. She said the first family arrived in June of 2022 and today there are approximately 25 families living in the community.

“I feel the help desk will be a big advantage for our Ukrainian newcomers moving forward,” said Humeniuk. As for challenges, Humeniuk said there is a lack of childcare spaces and funding for parents. As well, employment is a “big hurdle” and she said employers need to take a chance on the newcomers who she describes as very hard working. As well, teenagers looking to get into post-secondary education is a challenge because it is very expensive.