Help Meet Immediate Needs of Ukrainians Arriving in Canada

“We are calling on Canadian industry to lend its support and help those who are finding a new home here in Canada.”
– The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Since the start of Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes to find safety in western Ukraine, neighbouring European countries, and overseas. As the world’s second largest Ukrainian diaspora, Canadians across the country have long been preparing to welcome Ukrainians, and help them settle in their new communities.

Over 204,000 applications have been filed by Ukrainian citizens for the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) and close to 91,500 have been approved to date.  In the coming weeks, three federally chartered flights will be bringing Ukrainian families to safety in Manitoba, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

Our support, however, cannot end with their landing in Canada – Ukrainians will continue to need our assistance as they settle in Canada. As part of its response, the Canadian government has launched a call to action for Canadian businesses to help meet the immediate needs of Ukrainians arriving in Canada.

Currently, the focus is on temporary housing, gift-cards for the purchase of priority items, transportation, and jobs. Through the online portal, Canadian businesses can submit their offers, and check for updates to the list of priority items as the situation evolves.

Additionally, the federal government continues to work with the provinces and territories, settlement organizations, and NGOs to provide newcomers with language training, job search supports, school enrollment assistance, community connection, and targeted services for seniors, women, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons.

Counsel Public Affairs is appealing to all our clients – past and present – to consider your ability to provide direct and critical support for Ukrainians making Canada their home. The Government of Canada is looking for Canadian businesses able to provide offers of high priority goods and services for those arriving in Canada.

As more Ukrainians arrive, we will continue to welcome them in our communities with open arms, making sure they are supported and feel at home. If your organization can help accelerate Ukrainian resettlement efforts, please visit the Canadian Industry for Ukraine page. If you have questions or encounter any challenges, please do not hesitate to contact us for support, which we will provide free of charge.

For more information, you may also contact our federal team:

Ben Parsons
Associate Vice President, Federal Advocacy
bparsons@counselpa.com
613.323.5226

David Murray
Senior Manager, Federal Advocacy and Polling
dmurray@counselpa.com
613.869.3894