Financial support available for Ukrainians in Canada

Ukrainians arriving in Canada are now able to apply for financial assistance.

The announcement was made Thursday morning by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

The benefit is a direct one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child, 17 years and younger.

Officials say the funds will help Ukrainians meet basic needs such as transportation and long-term housing.

“Our commitment to Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s illegal war doesn’t stop once they’ve arrived in Canada. We will continue to help those seeking refuge live and thrive in communities across the country,” said Fraser.

“This one-time financial assistance will be crucial in addressing the immediate challenges faced by Ukrainians who have left so much behind to find a safe haven in Canada.”

Ukrainians and their family members in Canada with a valid work permit, study permit, temporary resident permit or visitor record under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) are eligible. 

Applications for the financial support must be submitted through the Government of Canada’s online portal, opened today.

Payments are expected to be issued through direct deposit within five business days of the application being submitted.

Canada has also showed its support for Ukraine by providing three charter flights from Poland, the third of which will arrive in Halifax later today.

Settlement services such as language training, job searching, and school enrolment are also in place.