Ontario is providing emergency support for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, including access to medical coverage, housing, counseling and a job search hotline to help them times in the province.
Premier Doug Ford said he heard Ontario can expect about 40,000 Ukrainians to arrive under a new emergency travel authorization, noting that many people with family in the province have already arrived and are staying with relatives.
“Now more than ever, we stand with all Ukrainians in the fight and will always support our friends when they need it most,” Ford said in Toronto on Wednesday.
Ontario’s assistance includes a telephone helpline and an email address to connect newcomers with job search services and local employers.
Labor Minister Monte McNaughton said employers from “all industries” had so far offered 30,000 job opportunities to Ukrainians who are expected to arrive.
The province wants to welcome skilled workers fleeing Ukraine – especially as the province faces a labor shortage – along with their families, Ford said.
“We will have all the necessary support these families will need once they arrive here in Ontario,” he said.
The province plans to fund counseling and other culturally appropriate support services by injecting $449,000 into Ukrainian-Canadian community organizations. The government is also announcing a $1.9 million scholarship fund for emergency post-secondary students admitted on humanitarian grounds.
Ontario is also providing a $900,000 increase over three years to the Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society for settlement services.
Doug Ford mentioned that the Department of Housing is working on plans to provide shelter for newcomers who need support. The province would make hotels available if needed for new arrivals, he said.
The Premier thanked Ontario’s Ukrainian community for mobilizing to support newcomers. Support efforts should come from all levels of government and communities, he said.
“Depending on the number of people arriving, there may be some bumps in the road, but I can assure you that they will have better refuge than where they came from,” he said.
The helpline is 1-888-562-4769 and the email address is [email protected].