Today, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, welcomed a second Provincial Government sponsored airlift carrying 177 Ukrainians at St. John’s International Airport.
The airlift that departed Warsaw, Poland and landed in St. John’s, was again coordinated by the Ukrainian Family Support Desk, a Provincial Government initiative launched on March 2, and on-the-ground in Poland since March 17 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. The province has also announced that Ukrainians will be able to have their Ukrainian drivers licenses converted to Newfoundland and Labrador licences.
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 lists of the skillsets of arriving Ukrainians and local employers who have hired them, as well as 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
“Newfoundland and Labrador led Canada in the effort to assist Ukrainians and proved a provincial government airlift was possible. Since May 9, we have redoubled our efforts in Warsaw and now welcome another 177 Ukrainians as our newest neighbours. The work continues to bring Ukrainians to our province and to ensure they have safe and prosperous lives.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Once again, we welcome our new Ukrainian neighbours with open arms and hospitality only found in Newfoundland and Labrador. We were the first Canadian government on-the-ground in Poland and our commitment to Ukrainians is unwavering. The team remains in Warsaw and will continue to do so to support more Ukrainians to come to our province.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
“The ANC is so pleased to be working with the provincial government to support the resettlement of Ukrainian nationals. Our team continues to deliver important programming to welcome and support these newcomers.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians
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Learn More
News Release: Newfoundland and Labrador Welcomes First Airlift of Ukrainian Refugees
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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
Jean Graham
Association for New Canadians
709-749-1018
jgraham@ancnl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Skillsets of Ukrainians Arriving June 14, 2022
Medical
- Nurse
- Pharmacists
- Doctors
- Pharmaceutical Representative
- Dental assistant
- Pediatric Physical Therapist
Engineering/Technology
- IT Manager
- IT Engineer
- Electrical Engineers
- UX/UI Designer
- Web Designer
- Construction Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineers
- Computer Engineering
- Software Data Analyst
- Computer Technician
- Android Software Developer
- Cyber Security Technical Support Engineer
Trades
- Drivers
- Construction
- Carpenters
- Kitchen Installer/Assembler
- Seamen
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Underground Miners
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Welder
- Tailor/Embroiderer
- Mechanic
- Baker
- Window and Door Installer
- Glass Cutter
Professional Services
- Sales Managers
- Systems administrator
- Recruitment Agency Coordinator
- Photographer
- Lawyers
- Economists
- Underwriter
- Internal auditor
- HR Recruiter
- HR Manager
- Accountants
- Event Planner
- Party Planner
- Real Estate Agent
- Project Manager
Personal Services
- Beautician
- Cosmetologist
- Hair Dresser
Tourism and Hospitality
- Hotel Receptionist
- Hotel Management
- Hotel Cleaner
- Tourism and Migration Consultant
- Bartender
- Cooks
- Waitress
Other
- Goldsmith/Jewelry Maker
- Police Officers
- Artist
- Teachers
- Social Worker
- Journalist
- Government Procurement
- Customer Relations Officer
- Security Guard
- Firefighter
- Social Media Manager
- Insurance Sales Manager
- Bank Customer Service Manager
- Logisticians
- Warehouse Manager
- Warehouse and Production Line Workers
- Production Line QA/QC
- Ice Skating and Hockey Coach
- Secretary
- Marketing Specialist
- Cashiers/Sales Assistants
- Ecologist
- Records Management Technician
- Food Production Executive
Locals Employers Who Have Hired Ukrainians
PAL Airlines | Provincial Aerospace |
Mary Brown’s | Heritage Square Retirement Living |
Rambler Metals and Mining | Eastern Edge Gallery |
Your Style Kitchens | PF Collins |
Sheraton Hotel | S&L Porter Homes |
Genoa Design | Monastery Spa & Suites |
McInnis Cooper | Holiday Inn |
Dildo Brewery | By Sharpe Design |
Sable Building & Design Ltd. | Cyno |
Sunsets Kitchen & Bath Design | Viking Construction |
Manna Bakery | Sysco |
Distinctive Interiors | Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism |
Canadian Tire | Costco |
Offshore NL | Delta Hotel |
Gannett Construction | Fogtown Barber Shop |
Whale House Guest House | City Tire |
Hollywood Nails and Spa | Christopher’s Trucking |
Association for New Canadians | Dallas Mercer Consulting |
Island’s Finest | Mahoney’s Electrical Ltd. |
Westmount Hospitality Group | Yellowbelly Brewery |
Murray Premises | East Side Mario’s |
Labatt Brewing Company | Coleman’s |
Iron Rock Brewing | Celtic Hearth |
How Newfoundlanders and Labradorians Can Help Ukrainian Newcomers
With the second Provincial Government sponsored airlift bringing Ukrainians directly to Canada having arrived on Tuesday, June 14 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.ca or 709-325-0881; 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.