Ontario is offering emergency and job supports to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion once they arrive in the province.
Premier Doug Ford says Ontario can expect roughly 40,000 Ukrainians to arrive under a new emergency travel authorization. He adds that many newcomers with family in Ontario have already arrived and are staying with relatives.
The government announced that the Ukrainian will receive access to provincial health coverage, emergency housing, and trauma-informed counselling.
A $449,000 investment to Canadian-Ukrainian community organizations was announced to fund counselling and other culturally responsive supports.
The province also announced a $1.9-million scholarship for post-secondary students arriving on an emergency basis.
Ontario is providing an increase of $900,000 over three years to the Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society for settlement services.
Ford is also announcing a new hotline and email address to connect Ukrainian newcomers with job search supports and local employers.
The hotline is at 1-888-562-4769 and the email address is ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca.