Advertisement

Alberta budget includes $27M to help Ukrainian newcomers with housing, language

Click to play video: 'More settlement support needed for Ukrainian newcomers: Alberta organization'
More settlement support needed for Ukrainian newcomers: Alberta organization
It’s estimated 20,000 Ukrainian evacuees have arrived in Alberta since the war in Ukraine began. But are they receiving the support they need? The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council is out with a list of recommendations for the province to help Ukrainians build a life here. Global News at Noon Edmonton was joined by the organization’s president, Orysia Boychuk, to talk about what’s needed – Jan 13, 2023

The Alberta government said if its 2023 budget is passed, it would expand funding to help those escaping war in Ukraine.

The UCP government said it would provide up to $27.3 million to help Ukrainians access settlement, language, housing and financial supports.

Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Since that time, about 21,600 Ukrainians have come to Alberta, said Rajan Sawhney, minister of trade, immigration and multiculturalism.

Newcomer support agencies say they’re busier now than they were last year. Alberta expects more Ukrainians to arrive in the province in the coming months.

“The need for help is outpacing the funds available,” said Catholic Social Services CEO Troy Davies.

Story continues below advertisement

“The Ukrainian community and settlement agencies have told us that there is a critical need for funding to help evacuees when they arrive in Alberta,” Sawhney said.

“As a dedicated supporter of the Ukrainian people, the Alberta government would provide much-needed funding to ensure Ukrainian evacuees have language and settlement services when they arrive in Alberta.”

The provincial budget would see $7 million (from Alberta’s ministry of trade, immigration and multiculturalism) over three years for continuous settlement and language services.

It would also direct $20.3 million for housing and financial supports (from the ministry of seniors, community and social services).

Click to play video: 'Ukrainians in Canada mark somber war anniversary'
Ukrainians in Canada mark somber war anniversary

“Ukraine is grateful for the government of Alberta’s constant and effective support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in our struggle against unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression,” said Oleksandr Danyleiko, consul general of Ukraine in Edmonton.

Story continues below advertisement

“We are also grateful for the support of Ukrainians who come to the province to escape the horrors of the Russian war, mostly women with children. Many of them have no relatives or friends here and are also very limited in means of living.”

As of Feb. 24, Ukrainian evacuees can apply for the Alberta Rent Supplement Program. Previous requirements around citizenship, refugee or immigration status have been removed, making Ukrainians eligible for the same social housing and rent supplement programs as other Albertans.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The 2023 budget would see that rent program supplemented with $9.9 million additional funds, bringing the total to $16.7 million.

“By providing more access to supports such as the Rental Assistance Benefit, we are paving a path for success in our province,” said Jeremy Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services.

“It is important for those leaving Ukraine to know that our government stands with them in solidarity against the tragic war in their home country, and we will show that by supporting those who find refuge in Alberta.”

Click to play video: 'Alberta Premier Danielle Smith apologizes for comments on Russia-Ukraine war'
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith apologizes for comments on Russia-Ukraine war

Budget 2023 would also provide $3.6 million to support the continuation of the Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support and Benefits program, which began on March 28, 2022.

Story continues below advertisement

It would be extended until January 2024 and the six-month maximum duration of benefits would be removed. Funding would be provided based on need, the province said, not time.

Alberta’s budget is set to be delivered Feb. 28.

Vigil for Ukraine at Edmonton City Hall on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Global News

Several vigils were held across Alberta Friday to mark the somber anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Edmonton city council took several moments at around noon to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian Canadian community in Edmonton is organizing a gathering at the Alberta legislature at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

A candlelight vigil and short program will be held under the Vegreville Pysanka at 6 p.m.

Click to play video: 'Alberta town with deep Ukrainian roots feeling weight of Russia’s military invasion'
Alberta town with deep Ukrainian roots feeling weight of Russia’s military invasion

Sponsored content

AdChoices