Canada has a reputation for welcoming immigrants from all across the globe. So when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, it was no surprise that many Canadian provinces immediately supported displaced Ukrainians to put down new roots in Canada and feel safe again.

Atlantic Canada

Canada’s most eastern provinces are also some of the most welcoming and hospitable for Ukrainians.

While Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (PEI), New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador may attract fewer evacuees as more populated provinces, they still have several services to help those fleeing the attack.

A 2022 article from CBC notes that Nova Scotia has welcomed hundreds of Ukrainians in the last year, with citizens opening their homes to those in need. The YMCA and Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) find host families for Ukrainians while showing them how to settle into Canada and acquire basic resources like health care and employment.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government also offers resume translation, job interview facilitation, quick and easy driver’s license conversion, and housing.

PEI also implemented emergency services for Ukrainians. The Immigrant and Refugee Services Association of Prince Edward Island (IRSA) contacts Ukrainians within three days of receiving an application form to help them establish new beginnings in Canada.

The New Brunswick government has established a similar system as other Atlantic provinces that helps asylum seekers find safe accommodations with warm hosts and other critical services.

Ontario

As Canada’s busiest province and a top destination for Ukrainian evacuees, Ontario offers asylum seekers a wide array of services.

The province has successfully implemented several systems, including emergency financial support for Ukrainians in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel through Ontario Works offices. This money helps Ukrainians find shelter and pay for essentials. Under this program, Ukrainians may also qualify for other Ontario-based services, like Ontario’s Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), and the Ontario Drug Benefit Program.

The Ontario Government’s website lists several non-profit organizations that accept donations and use those funds to help Ukrainians.

Alberta

This western province is showing compassion towards Ukrainians in collaboration with many organizations. The Ukrainians in Alberta website includes a comprehensive list of helpful organizations providing housing, translation and interpretation, childcare, healthcare, and employment support.

Quebec

Through the government’s website, Ukrainian evacuees can book a one-on-one appointment to speak with an official about resettling. Furthermore, Ukrainians can contact one of several aid organizations for guidance on settling in Quebec and help in getting a Canadian work permit. These include:

British Columbia

Ukrainian families evacuated to British Columbia can apply for monthly payments through the Temporary Financial Hardship Program for up to 12 months. Single adults are eligible to receive up to $935 per month, while families of four can receive up to $1770.  This monthly benefit is in addition to the federal government’s financial assistance plan for Ukrainians, a one-time payment of $3000 per adult and $1500 per child.

Upon arrival in BC, Ukrainians can immediately get help finding housing and other critical resourcing by contacting BC211 (dialling 211), available 24 hours a day. For government-based resources like healthcare and education, Ukrainians can call 1-800-663-7867 from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Northwest Territories

It is a common misconception that immigrants avoid the Northwest Territories (NWT) due to its sparse population, but statistics show that the NWT welcomes nearly 350 new immigrants each year.

The provincial Education, Culture and Employment Labour department provides immigrants, including Ukrainian evacuees, information on relocation. The department also provides a resource booklet for newcomers containing detailed information on starting a new life in the NWT. Those requiring information can contact the department at immigration@gov.nt.ca or 1(855) 440-5450. 

Saskatchewan

The Public Support for Ukraine page guides Ukrainians towards a new life in Saskatchewan. The government also provides housing and income support for Ukrainian evacuees as they resettle in the province. Displaced Ukrainians can contact ukrainesupport@gov.sk.ca or dial 1-833-613-0485 within North America or +1-306-787-0482 outside North America for guidance relocating.

Several non-profit organizations throughout Saskatchewan work tirelessly to provide Ukrainians with much-needed support. These include Streams of Hope in Saskatoon, which primarily focuses on housing children and families, and Canadian charities like United Help Ukraine and Canada Helps.

Manitoba

As of November 2022, Manitoba has welcomed the most Ukrainians compared to other provinces.

The Ukrainian Refugee Task Force, led by the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, supports Ukrainians. Settlement services in Manitoba focus on housing, employment search, health and mental health care, education, child care and social assistance.

The province’s citizens also do their part, like educating evacuees on fraud and helping fund flights from Ukraine to Canada via the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund through Air Canada.