The Alberta government is providing $2 million in funding to facilitate a smooth transition for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney announced Wednesday..In response to Russia’s invasion, some 4.5 million Ukrainians have fled — mostly women, children, and older men — and tens of thousands of refugees could be arriving in Canada, Kenney said..Alberta’s announcement means the temporary residents will have access to the suite of services normally granted to economic immigrants and those with permanent resident status, the premier said..“We wanted to look at the full spectrum of government programs to ensure rapid access because these individuals have already faced enough adversity in recent weeks, and we need to be there to support them,” Kenney said fromTaste of Ukraine, a Ukrainian restaurant..The package will include healthcare coverage, childcare, resources to help Ukrainians find work, financial literacy and language classes, enrollment in K to 12 schools, and identification cards like drivers’ licenses, he said..A reference guide outlining the programs can be found at alberta.ca/ukraine. .More than 350,000 Albertans have Ukrainian origin, Kenney said..“Alberta owes a huge debt of gratitude to Ukrainians who arrived in the past and helped inspire the values that help define Alberta success today,” said Immigration Minister Kaycee Madu..Kenney also said the province is prioritizing Ukrainian applications for permanent residency through Alberta’s immigration stream.. “God forbid the conflict goes on and they can’t return home,” Kenney said..“In which case they will eventually transition into permanent residency and we will assist them with that.”.Last month, the province announced it donated $5 million to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation..Rachel Emmanuel is the Edmonton Bureau Chief for the Western Standard.remmanuel@westernstandard.news
