Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Welcomes Ukrainians Fleeing Conflict: Charter Flights Provide Safe Passage
Montréal, Quebec—In a steadfast display of solidarity, Canada has orchestrated a series of charter flights to aid Ukrainians escaping the turmoil of Russia’s invasion. The government's efforts underscore its commitment to offering refuge and support to those affected by the conflict. These initiatives are part of a broader collaboration with provinces, territories, settlement organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the nation.
Arrival in Montréal
On May 29, 2022, a federal charter flight touched down in Montréal, carrying 306 Ukrainians and their family members. The newcomers were warmly received by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. This marks the second of three charter flights designed to provide a temporary safe haven for Ukrainians under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.
Series of Charters
This initiative began with the first charter flight, which arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on May 23, 2022, bringing 328 Ukrainians to Canadian soil. A third flight is slated to land in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 2, 2022. These efforts signify Canada’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian support, with temporary accommodations arranged for those without immediate housing plans, covering up to 14 nights.
Financial Assistance for New Arrivals
To further assist these individuals, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, and Refugees, has outlined a financial assistance plan. Beginning June 2, 2022, Ukrainian nationals and their families can apply online for one-time transitional financial support to address essential needs upon arrival. Applications can be submitted by parents or guardians, encompassing themselves, their spouses, and dependents. Crucially, payments will be facilitated via direct deposit, necessitating a Canadian bank account matching the name on the temporary resident status document.
Broader Support Initiatives
These charter flights are part of a larger framework of support, which includes the innovative Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund. This initiative, fueled by donations of Aeroplan points from Canadians and Canadian companies, aims to sponsor flights for at least 10,000 Ukrainians and their families seeking refuge in Canada.
Photos from today's Montréal charter flight, as well as those from the Winnipeg arrival, can be accessed via Dropbox, providing a poignant visual chronicle of this significant humanitarian effort.
Canada's response to the Ukrainian crisis exemplifies a commitment to humanitarian principles and global solidarity, ensuring that those affected by conflict find a safe and welcoming environment as they rebuild their lives.
