Canada Welcomes Ukrainian Refugees: A Safe Haven Amidst Crisis

June 2, 2022—Halifax, Nova Scotia — In a continued effort to provide sanctuary to those fleeing Russia’s unwarranted invasion of Ukraine, Canada has successfully coordinated charter flights to assist Ukrainians in need of travel to safety. The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, settlement agencies, and non-governmental organizations to offer comprehensive support to Ukrainians and their families at all stages of their resettlement journey.

Arrival in Halifax: A Warm Reception

Today, a federal charter flight carrying 319 Ukrainian refugees touched down in Halifax. The newcomers were greeted with warmth and compassion by key officials, including the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, and the Honourable Jill Balser, Nova Scotia Minister of Labour, Skills, and Immigration.

This flight marks the third in a series of federal charters designated to offer Ukrainians a temporary safe haven. The initial flight, on May 23, transported 328 Ukrainians to Winnipeg, Manitoba, followed by a second flight on May 29, which brought 306 individuals to Montréal, Quebec. These charter flights are reserved for Ukrainian nationals and their families who have been approved under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. For those arriving without pre-arranged accommodations, temporary lodging is being provided for up to 14 nights.

Financial Assistance for New Arrivals

In a significant announcement earlier today, Minister Fraser revealed that Ukrainians and their families residing in Canada under the CUAET program can now access transitional financial assistance via a newly launched Government of Canada online portal. This one-time assistance aims to meet immediate and basic needs, such as transportation and housing, as these individuals integrate into communities across the nation.

Expanding Support: The Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund

These chartered flights are part of a broader suite of travel support efforts, which include the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund. This initiative allows Canadians and Canadian companies to contribute their Aeroplan points to facilitate the transportation of at least 10,000 Ukrainians and their families to Canada.

The arrival of these charter flights and the accompanying support initiatives underscore Canada's dedication to providing sanctuary and assistance to those in dire need. As Ukrainians begin to rebuild their lives in Canada, they are met with an outpouring of support and solidarity from both the government and the Canadian public.

For those interested, photos capturing the emotional arrivals in Halifax, as well as previous landings in Montréal and Winnipeg, are available in Dropbox, offering a glimpse into the hope and resilience of these newcomers as they embark on a new chapter in a land of safety and opportunity.