On Monday, the first federal charter flight carrying 328 Ukrainians arrived in Winnipeg, welcomed by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, and James Armstrong Richardson International Airport volunteers.

This flight was part of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. Launched on March 17 2022, the CUAET program provides Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality the opportunity to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years.

They are also eligible for a free open work permit or study permit, which allows them to take a job with almost any Canadian employer or enrol in an education program in Canada.

Over the next few weeks, two additional federal charter flights are scheduled to arrive from Poland with people approved through the CUAET program. Montreal, Quebec will welcome travellers from Ukraine on May 29 while the third charter flight will arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 2.

Ukrainians arriving under CUAET are eligible for settlement support services to help them adjust to their new life in Canada. These services include language training, information about and orientation to life in Canada, as well as information and services to help find a job.

Individuals with a valid work permit, study permit, temporary resident permit, or visitor record in Canada under CUAET will be eligible to receive one-time financial support of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child.

For those arriving on the three charter flights who do not have suitable arrangements, temporary hotel accommodations for up to 14 nights will be provided.

Canadians and Canadian businesses can donate travel points or cash to the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund. These donations will be used to give free flights to Ukrainians and their family members who are in need of travel support.

Photos courtesy of the Government of Canada website.