‘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
Norway, Ireland and Spain say they are recognizing a Palestinian state in a historic move
Norway, Ireland and Spain said on Wednesday they are recognizing a Palestinian state, in a historic but largely symbolic move that deepens Israel’s isolation more than seven months into its grinding war against Hamas in Gaza.
Thunderstorms with tornado risk in some areas in Ontario, snow elsewhere in Canada
Canadians can expect a mixed bag of weather, with forecasts warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and snow in some areas across western Canada.
NEW How to remove ticks and what to know about these bloodsuckers
Ticks are parasitic bloodsuckers, capable of spreading deadly disease, and they’re becoming increasingly common. Here’s what you need to know about them.
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Canadians feel grocery inflation getting worse, two in five boycotting Loblaw: poll
Almost two-thirds of Canadians feel that inflation at the grocery store is getting worse, a new poll suggests, even as food inflation has been steadily cooling.
opinion Joe Biden uses bully pulpit to bully Donald Trump on debates
Donald Trump had spent weeks needling U.S. President Joe Biden for his refusal to commit to a debate. But Washington political columnist Eric Ham describes how in one fell swoop, Biden ingeniously stole the issue from the Trump campaign and made it his own.
Barbie will make dolls to honour Venus Williams, Christine Sinclair and other athletes
Barbie dolls will honour Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair and tennis champion Venus Williams, plus seven other athletes as part of a project announced by Mattel on Wednesday.
Ontario mother loses $2,500 to text scammer pretending to be daughter
An Ontario mother lost $2,500 to a scammer pretending to be her daughter asking for help in late April.
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.