Alberta budget includes $27M to help Ukrainian newcomers with housing, language | 24CA News

The Alberta authorities mentioned if its 2023 funds is handed, it could broaden funding to assist these escaping struggle in Ukraine.

The UCP authorities mentioned it could present as much as $27.3 million to assist Ukrainians entry settlement, language, housing and monetary helps.

Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

Since that point, about 21,600 Ukrainians have come to Alberta, mentioned Rajan Sawhney, minister of commerce, immigration and multiculturalism.

Newcomer assist companies say they’re busier now than they have been final yr. Alberta expects extra Ukrainians to reach within the province within the coming months.

“The need for help is outpacing the funds available,” mentioned Catholic Social Services CEO Troy Davies.

“The Ukrainian community and settlement agencies have told us that there is a critical need for funding to help evacuees when they arrive in Alberta,” Sawhney mentioned.

“As a dedicated supporter of the Ukrainian people, the Alberta government would provide much-needed funding to ensure Ukrainian evacuees have language and settlement services when they arrive in Alberta.”

The provincial funds would see $7 million (from Alberta’s ministry of commerce, immigration and multiculturalism) over three years for steady settlement and language companies.

It would additionally direct $20.3 million for housing and monetary helps (from the ministry of seniors, group and social companies).

5:40Ukrainians in Canada mark somber struggle anniversary

“Ukraine is grateful for the government of Alberta’s constant and effective support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in our struggle against unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression,” mentioned Oleksandr Danyleiko, consul basic of Ukraine in Edmonton.

“We are also grateful for the support of Ukrainians who come to the province to escape the horrors of the Russian war, mostly women with children. Many of them have no relatives or friends here and are also very limited in means of living.”

As of Feb. 24, Ukrainian evacuees can apply for the Alberta Rent Supplement Program. Previous necessities round citizenship, refugee or immigration standing have been eliminated, making Ukrainians eligible for a similar social housing and lease complement applications as different Albertans.

The 2023 funds would see that lease program supplemented with $9.9 million extra funds, bringing the full to $16.7 million.

“By providing more access to supports such as the Rental Assistance Benefit, we are paving a path for success in our province,” mentioned Jeremy Nixon, minister of seniors, group and social companies.

“It is important for those leaving Ukraine to know that our government stands with them in solidarity against the tragic war in their home country, and we will show that by supporting those who find refuge in Alberta.”

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Budget 2023 would additionally present $3.6 million to assist the continuation of the Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support and Benefits program, which started on March 28, 2022.

It can be prolonged till January 2024 and the six-month most period of advantages can be eliminated. Funding can be supplied based mostly on want, the province mentioned, not time.

Alberta’s funds is ready to be delivered Feb. 28.

Several vigils have been held throughout Alberta Friday to mark the somber anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

Edmonton metropolis council took a number of moments at round midday to face with Ukraine and Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian Canadian group in Edmonton is organizing a gathering on the Alberta legislature at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

A candlelight vigil and quick program will likely be held underneath the Vegreville Pysanka at 6 p.m.

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