‘Probably any day’: Officials prepare for arrival of Ukrainians in Waterloo Region
Waterloo Region officials say it’s no longer a matter if Ukrainians will arrive in the area, but when.
Local groups are preparing to welcome them when they do.
Father Myroslav Tataryn of the Ukranian Catholic Church of Transfiguration says the process of getting Ukrainians to Canada has moved at “warp speed.”
His church gearing up to quickly help women and children who fled that country.
“It's not only a matter of getting them here,” Tataryn said. “It's a matter of being ready to receive them and what's needed.”
Tataryn says those wanting to help Ukrainians coming to Canada can sign up at this link.
Last week, Canada announced two new ways for Ukrainians to quickly enter Canada – an emergency travel permit and a special family reunification sponsorship. The federal government is promising applications will be processed in two weeks.
“I do know of a number of families [here in Canada] who have already heard from their relatives who are in Poland, who are waiting to come,” Tataryn said. “Most of them haven't gotten visas yet. [But] they've applied so they're in the pipelines, So that's very promising.”
'The first time I'm seeing this type of response'
Local officials say the federal government hasn't said how many Ukrainians will arrive in Waterloo Region – only that it's happening soon.
“Probably any day,” said Tara Bedard, the Executive Director for Immigration Partnership for the Region of Waterloo.
“We're really in a unique situation,” Bedard continued. “This is the first time I'm seeing this type of response so we really are just trying to work with our partners across the region to be ready to welcome people.”
Waterloo Region is known to welcome refugees, most recently from war-torn countries like Afghanistan and Syria.
In a statement sent earlier this week to CTV News, the interim CEO of Reception House said the organization was already expecting double the number of government assisted refugees this year from other conflicts excluding the war in Ukraine. It could be as many 750 people.
The statement highlighted there are now major concerns, like the lack of affordable housing.
Bedard says, it's an issue they are working on.
“[We’re] just shaking all the trees. You know landlords who have availability that will come forward for this population and others who are looking for housing.”
Father Tataryn agrees, saying charitable support and solidarity is needed for all those escaping conflict.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Oilers beat Stars, one win away from Stanley Cup berth
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored two power-play goals as Edmonton smothered the Dallas Stars 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the NHL's Western Conference final on Friday.
Is carbon pricing a politically feasible climate policy? Research says maybe not
Research suggests the Liberals may be fighting a losing battle, and some experts are urging policymakers to look for alternative policies to lower emissions, warning the threat of climate change is too dire to delay action.
Ex-husband charged with murder in death of Lumby, B.C., woman
The ex-husband of Tatjana Stefanski – the woman whose disappearance and death set the small town of Lumby, B.C., on edge last month – has been charged with her murder.
Republicans join Trump's attacks on justice system and campaign of vengeance after guilty verdict
Embracing Donald Trump's strategy of blaming the U.S. justice system after his historic guilty verdict, Republicans in Congress are fervently enlisting themselves in his campaign of vengeance and political retribution in the GOP bid to reclaim the White House.
U.S. defense secretary says war with China neither imminent nor unavoidable, stressing need for talks
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told a gathering of top security officials Saturday that war with China was neither imminent nor unavoidable, despite rapidly escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the importance of renewed dialogue between him and his Chinese counterpart in avoiding "miscalculations and misunderstandings."
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
U.K. ambassador to Mexico out after video allegedly shows him pointing a rifle at a colleague
The U.K.’s ambassador to Mexico has left his post after a video was posted on social media that purportedly shows him pointing an assault rifle at an embassy employee.