If it welcomes recent commitments made by Ottawa to help Ukrainian refugees who would like to flee their country to join Canada, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress has raised a lack of “adequate action” by the Trudeau government.
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The organization expressed its concerns in an open letter sent on May 9 to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser.
“[Congress] is concerned that the lack of adequate and timely action is tarnishing Canada’s image as a safe humanitarian haven,” it read.
Ottawa has announced several interim measures in recent weeks such as offering two weeks of accommodation upon arrival of Ukrainians, six weeks of financial support as well as charter flights to Canada.
“While the aforementioned interim federal measures are welcome, Congress is concerned that even in the short to medium term, they will not be effective in supporting the most vulnerable among the displaced. As you know, the availability and scope of provincial aid is highly variable and not implemented consistently,” Congress President Alexandra Chyczij said in her letter.
According to her, the most alarming remains the lack of a federal strategy to coordinate a safe housing program, which must be operational as soon as Ukrainians arrive on Canadian soil.
She sided with the Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance, which called for additional support by expanding eligibility for federal benefits and providing immediate access to the Canada Child Benefit.
“As displaced Ukrainians continue to arrive on Canadian soil, it is imperative that we ensure they receive the compassionate welcome they need and deserve,” Chyczij added.
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