Nearly 6,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan since Russia’s invasion began, many on humanitarian flights chartered from Poland last year.
Published Nov 26, 2023 • 2 minute read
Ukrainian refugees arrive in Regina from a humanitarian flight out of Warsaw, Poland, and stand on the tarmac before walking into customs at Regina International Airport in July 2022. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post
Saskatchewan has pledged an estimated $5.6 million in aid to Ukraine and resettling Ukrainian residents since the country’s conflict with Russia began in early 2022.
In providing an estimation, the provincial government said the total is an equivalent figure, including other supports offered like chartered flight costs, accommodation, language and interpretation services and community support services.
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This includes $100,000 sent to Ukraine at the end of January in 2022 in response to the threat of violence as Russian troops gathered along the border, to help co-ordinate humanitarian aid.
Russia officially invaded at the end of February, targeting the capital city of Kyiv. Tens of thousands of civilian casualties are estimated to have occurred since, and millions displaced or having fled the country within the next year.
Nearly 6,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan, joining a diaspora of people with Ukrainian roots that already made up 15 per cent of the province’s population.
Another $335,000 was pledged to support community co-ordinators in aiding settlement for new residents seeking safe haven in Saskatchewan, doled out by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC).
The funding was then followed by a $50,000 donation to the UCC Saskatchewan branch from SaskTel.
Further aid included offers of tuition relief, employment training subsidies, drivers licence exchange, waived cellular fees, income assistance and flights out of the conflict zone.
Five evacuation flights from Poland carried hundreds of people to Saskatchewan between July 2022 and March 2023, charted through a partnership between humanitarian group Open Arms and Solidaire and the province.
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Passengers were housed temporarily at the University of Regina and local hotels, with several reception hubs held to help the new residents with needs like housing, banking, health cards, employment and more.
Saskatchewan also streamlined the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, first prioritizing Ukrainian applicants then accelerating temporary residence pathways.
Aside from official provisions, the Ukrainian flag has flown outside the provincial legislative assembly since February 2022, and still remains.
Multiple fundraisers, donation efforts and community welcomes have also shown significant support for those impacted by the war, including rallies and solidarity gatherings waving yellow and blue.
— with files from Alec Salloum, Larissa Kurz, Jeremy Simes
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