Today at St. John’s International Airport the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, welcomed the first Ukrainian refugee airlift sponsored by any level of government in Canada to date.

The airlift that departed Katowice, Poland and landed in St. John’s is the culmination of the work of the Ukrainian Family Support Desk, a Provincial Government initiative launched on March 2, 2022, and on the ground in Poland since March 17, 2022, to provide safe haven to Ukrainians fleeing the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine.

All arriving Ukrainians have been granted the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Visa that legally allows them to live and work in Canada for up to three years. Ukrainians arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Emergency Travel Visa will also receive provincial Medical Care Plan and Prescription Drug Plan coverage.

After arrival, most Ukrainian newcomers were transported to pre-arranged accommodations in the capital region to rest and begin adjusting to their new surroundings, while others travelled on to stay with family and friends throughout the province. This transition period will be eased for many individuals and families because of the pre-arrival support provided by the Ukrainian Family Support Desk, including:

• Resume translation services;
• Facilitating job interviews with local employers (a number of Ukrainians have already accepted jobs);
• Immigration navigation and processing;
• Pairing Ukrainians with accommodations; and
• Engaging the Association for New Canadians to activate specialized settlement services and supports.

Thanks are extended to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for supporting Ukrainians and helping to make this airlift possible. For ways people can contribute to the effort, please see the backgrounder below.

The Ukrainian Family Support Desk continues working with Ukrainians who have expressed an interest in coming to Newfoundland and Labrador. For more information about the desk, please visit here.

Quotes
“With strong leadership and generosity we welcome Ukrainian newcomers with open arms. Our made-in Newfoundland and Labrador approach of having a team on the ground in Warsaw – the only province to do so – has led to us welcoming the first plane of Ukrainians today. They have chosen this province as a place to live a safe and prosperous life. Many thanks to everyone who helped make that dream a reality.”
Honourable Premier Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“During the horrific terrorist attacks of 9/11, planes were directed to Newfoundland and Labrador and we provided a safe haven for passengers. The world is calling again, and this time we have directed a plane of our own to assist Ukrainians. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are once again providing a safe and welcome refuge, opening our homes, and our hearts, to families in need.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“The Association for New Canadians is delighted to be part of this important provincial government initiative and we look forward to welcoming and supporting these newcomers as they settle into their new homes in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

 

 

 

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Learn More

News Release: Ukrainian Family Support Desk Launched to Help Ukrainians

News Release: Ukrainian Family Support Desk Expanding to Poland

News Release: Health Care Coverage Available for Ukrainians Arriving in the Province

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-2377, 709-691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

How Newfoundlanders and Labradorians Can Help Ukrainian Newcomers

With the first government-sponsored airlift bringing Ukrainians directly to Canada having arrived on Monday, May 9 at St. John’s International Airport, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is reminding residents how they can help welcome and support Ukrainian newcomers.

Residents can help by:

• Identifying job opportunities for Ukrainians and sending those positions to ukrainianfamily@gov.nl.ca;
• Sending offers of accommodation and donations of goods and/or services to the Association for New Canadians Ukraine Support Team at ukraine@ancnl.caor709-325-0881; and
• Donating to the Association for New Canadians Emergency Fund, with tax receipts for donations greater than $20.

The Association for New Canadians is also recruiting volunteers to participate as:

• Interpreters (Ukrainian and other languages);
• Family Match Program participants (volunteers are matched with newcomers to help with English as a second language learning through friendship. Activities could include exploring the city, sightseeing, going for walks and sharing meals together); and
• Conversation circle partners (newcomers are given the opportunity to start practicing conversational English).

Those interested in volunteering are asked to register for orientation by emailing volunteer@ancnl.ca. The Association for New Canadians is currently arranging a donations centre to house physical donations, such as furniture and clothing. Residents are asked to hold onto donations until the donation centre is operational.