The Quebec government clarified on Thursday the measures put in place to welcome Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country.
In particular, the latter will be directed to a reception kiosk of the Government of Quebec upon their arrival at Montreal-Trudeau airport in order to establish direct contact with them as soon as they arrive on Quebec soil, indicated the Minister of Labour, ‘Employment and Social Solidarity, Jean Boulet, who also combines the functions of Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI).
Ukrainian nationals will be able to benefit from temporary accommodation, but also assistance in finding permanent accommodation.
They will also be directed to the services offered in education for their children in preschool, elementary and secondary school, but also in terms of employment assistance, integration and learning French.
“The government is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine. What we want is to work twice as hard now to put in place appropriate measures to welcome Ukrainians with dignity as soon as they arrive in Quebec,” said Minister Boulet.
Health and education
The MIFI will work in concert with Ukrainian community organizations and the Red Cross to provide services adapted to the needs of people from Ukraine.
These people will also have access to various health services, said the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé.
“We can also count, throughout Quebec, on 14 clinics for refugees who act as gateways. These important specialized resources will be able to adequately meet the needs of these people who will be welcomed by us,” said Mr. Dubé.
For his part, the Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge, maintains that everything will be done to facilitate this transition for Ukrainian children.
“We will take care to help them, keeping in mind their possible special needs. Reception, francization, interpretation and psychological support services could of course be offered,” said Mr. Roberge.
A telephone line dedicated to Ukrainian nationals has also been created to inform and guide them in their procedures in Quebec. It is (514) 789-1866 in the Montreal area or 1-833-556-1866 elsewhere in Quebec or by email [email protected].
Employers who wish to recruit Ukrainian men and women upon their arrival in Quebec will also be able to do so by using the tools made available to them by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity, recalled Minister Boulet.