Canada launches pathway to reunite families and support Ukrainians

Posted

July 15, 2023—Ottawa As Russia’s ongoing, brutal invasion of Ukraine persists, Canada continues to adapt its response to help those fleeing violence. Since its launch in March 2022, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) has provided temporary safe haven to over 166,000 Ukrainians. Now, we are introducing ongoing support for those who want to come to Canada, and for those who want to stay here permanently with their family.

Further to Canada’s additional support for Ukraine confirmed at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today a new pathway for Ukrainians to help keep families together.

Starting October 23, 2023, this new pathway will provide permanent residence to those who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion and want to stay in Canada. To qualify, Ukrainian nationals must be in Canada with temporary resident status and have one or more family members in Canada. Those who are eligible include Ukrainian spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings and children or grandchildren of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. More detailed information will be made available closer to the launch of the program in October.

Ukrainians holding a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the temporary special measures. Following the end of overseas applications under CUAET on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply for a temporary resident visa to come to Canada, under pre-existing immigration measures.

Once in Canada, temporary residents will be eligible to apply for an extended stay of up to three years through study permits and open work permits, all of which will be prioritized. They will also have access to settlement services, such as language training and employment services. These measures will help them thrive in communities across the country.

The Government of Canada continues to work closely with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, as well as settlement service providers and the Ukrainian-Canadian community, to welcome Ukrainians.

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Le 15 juillet 2023 – Ottawa – Alors que l’invasion brutale de l’Ukraine par la Russie se poursuit, le Canada continue d’adapter sa réponse pour aider les personnes qui fuient la violence. Depuis son lancement en mars 2022, l’Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) a fourni un refuge temporaire à plus de 166 000 Ukrainiens. Aujourd’hui, nous mettons en place un soutien continu pour les personnes qui souhaitent venir au Canada et pour celles qui veulent y rester de manière permanente avec leur famille.

Suite au soutien supplémentaire du Canada à l’Ukraine confirmé lors du sommet de l’OTAN à Vilnius, en Lituanie, l’honorable Sean Fraser, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, a annoncé aujourd’hui une nouvelle voie d’accès pour les Ukrainiens afin d’aider les familles à rester unies.

À partir du 23 octobre 2023, cette nouvelle voie d’accès permettra aux personnes qui ont fui l’invasion illégale de la Russie et qui souhaitent rester au Canada d’obtenir le statut de résident permanent. Pour y avoir droit, les ressortissants ukrainiens doivent se trouver au Canada avec un statut de résident temporaire et avoir au moins un membre de leur famille au Canada. Les personnes admissibles sont les époux, les conjoints de fait, les parents, les grands-parents, les frères et sœurs et les enfants ou petits-enfants ukrainiens d’un citoyen canadien ou d’un résident permanent. Des renseignements plus détaillés seront communiqués à l’approche du lancement du programme au mois d’octobre.

Les Ukrainiens titulaires de visa au titre de l’AVUCU auront jusqu’au 31 mars 2024 pour se rendre au Canada dans le cadre des mesures spéciales temporaires. Après la fin des demandes présentées à l’étranger au titre de l’AVUCU le 15 juillet 2023, les Ukrainiens et les membres de leur famille pourront toujours présenter une demande de visa de résident temporaire pour venir au Canada, dans le cadre des mesures d’immigration préexistantes.

Une fois au Canada, les résidents temporaires pourront demander un séjour prolongé d’une durée maximale de trois ans au moyen de permis d’études et de permis de travail ouverts, et leurs demandes recevront un traitement prioritaire. Ils auront également accès à des services d’établissement, comme la formation linguistique et les services d’emploi. Ces mesures les aideront à prospérer dans des collectivités partout au pays.

Le gouvernement du Canada continue de travailler en étroite collaboration avec ses partenaires provinciaux, territoriaux et municipaux, ainsi qu’avec les fournisseurs de services d’établissement et la communauté canado-ukrainienne pour accueillir les Ukrainiens.

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Government of Canada investing in settlement services for newcomers

Posted

May 11, 2023—Ottawa—Settlement services are key to setting up newcomers for success in Canada. They provide newcomers with the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their new lives in Canada before and after they arrive, which helps them successfully transition into their communities and find work faster.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s pre-arrival services program maximize the economic and social integration of newcomers by:

  • directly connecting clients with the information and services they need through a streamlined, easy-to-navigate process
  • encouraging newcomers to apply for recognition of their foreign credentials before they arrive, if needed
  • linking clients to federal and provincial settlement services in Canada

Investments in pre-arrival services are investments in the newcomers and families joining Canada’s diverse communities, and they help them grow while strengthening Canada’s economy. Further details on individual funding for service provider organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.

More information.

Le 11 mai 2023, Ottawa – Les services d’établissement sont essentiels pour aider les nouveaux arrivants à réussir au Canada. Ils leur fournissent l’information et le soutien dont ils ont besoin pour prendre des décisions éclairées concernant leur nouvelle vie au Canada avant et après leur arrivée, ce qui les aide à faire la transition vers leur collectivité et à trouver du travail plus rapidement.

Le programme de services avant l’arrivée d’Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada maximise l’intégration économique et sociale des nouveaux arrivants par les moyens suivants :

  • Diffuser directement aux clients l’information et les services dont ils ont besoin grâce à un processus simplifié et convivial.
  • Encourager les nouveaux arrivants à demander la reconnaissance de leurs titres de compétences étrangers avant leur arrivée, au besoin.
  • Aiguiller les clients vers des services d’établissement fédéraux et provinciaux au Canada.

Les investissements dans les services avant l’arrivée sont des investissements dans les nouveaux arrivants et les familles qui s’installent dans les collectivités diversifiées du Canada et qui les aident à s’épanouir tout en renforçant l’économie du Canada. De plus amples renseignements sur le financement individuel des fournisseurs de services seront annoncés au cours des prochaines semaines.

Pour en savoir plus.

Canada extends support for those fleeing Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine

Posted

March 22, 2023—Ottawa—

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the Government of Canada will extend the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). This means that:

  • Ukrainians and their family members will have until July 15, 2023, to apply overseas for a CUAET visa free of charge;
  • Anyone holding a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the special measures; and
  • CUAET holders who are already here in Canada will have until March 31, 2024, to extend or adjust their temporary status through these measures, free of charge.

Settlement services will remain available to Ukrainians and their family members after they arrive so that they can fully participate in Canadian communities while they are here. Ukrainians and their family members will also continue to benefit from the one-time transitional financial support, as well as from access to emergency accommodations for up to 2 weeks, if needed after they arrive in Canada.

More information.

Le 22 mars 2023, Ottawa – 

Aujourd’hui, l’honorable Sean Fraser, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, a annoncé que le gouvernement du Canada prolongera l’Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU). Cela signifie que :

  • les Ukrainiens et les membres de leur famille auront jusqu’au 15 juillet 2023 pour demander sans frais un visa au titre de l’AVUCU depuis l’étranger;
  • tout titulaire d’un visa d’AVUCU aura jusqu’au 31 mars 2024 pour se rendre au Canada dans le cadre des mesures spéciales;
  • les titulaires d’AVUCU qui se trouvent déjà au Canada auront jusqu’au 31 mars 2024 pour prolonger ou ajuster sans frais leur statut temporaire dans le cadre de ces mesures.

Les Ukrainiens et les membres de leur famille continueront de bénéficier de services d’établissement après leur arrivée, afin qu’ils puissent participer pleinement aux collectivités canadiennes pendant leur séjour. Les Ukrainiens et les membres de leur famille continueront également de bénéficier d’une aide financière unique de transition, ainsi que de l’accès à un hébergement d’urgence pendant une période pouvant aller jusqu’à 2 semaines, si nécessaire, après leur arrivée au Canada.

Pls d’infos ici.

Government of Canada’s continuing support for 10 projects under the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot

Posted

December 9, 2022—Halifax —The Government of Canada is committed to the full and equal participation of all women and girls, which is essential to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. That’s why Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making it easier for racialized newcomer women to find a job by providing the support and services they need to succeed.

As part of Canada’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, announced the Government of Canada’s intent to renew up to $5.8 million in funding until 2025 for 10 projects supported under the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot.

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9 décembre 2022 – Halifax – Le gouvernement du Canada est déterminé à assurer la participation pleine et égale de toutes les femmes et de toutes les filles, ce qui est essentiel à la croissance économique et à la prospérité du Canada. C’est pourquoi Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC) facilite la recherche d’emploi des nouvelles arrivantes racisées en leur offrant le soutien et les services dont elles ont besoin pour réussir.

Dans le cadre des 16 jours d’activisme contre la violence fondée sur le sexe, Lena Metlege Diab, députée de Halifax-Ouest, a annoncé l’intention du gouvernement du Canada de renouveler jusqu’à 5,8 millions de dollars en financement jusqu’en 2025 pour 10 projets soutenus dans le cadre de l’initiative pilote sur les nouvelles arrivantes racisées.

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List of Resources: Support for the Ukrainian Community in Canada

Posted

Last updated: September 25, 2024

Below is a list of resources that MANSO has compiled to keep you informed of the current situation.

 

Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven Information, Resources, and Updates

Welcome Package for Ukrainian Arrivals

When you first arrive in Canada, there is a lot to do, but there is also a lot of help available. The Welcome Package below proposes a list of things newcomers can do before arrival and during your first days in Canada:

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQ is managed and updated by the national Operation for Ukrainian Safe Haven. It provides information relevant to Ukrainians settling anywhere in Canada.

Ways to get involved

Learn more about how you can help at https://ukrainesafehaven.ca/. This is a centralized hub where Canadians can share offers of housing or employment, donate money or goods and services, or sign up to volunteer.

  • Offers will be matched appropriately with provincial coordination hubs within each province.

 

Federal information, resources, and updates

Current information on measures

Visit IRCC’s immigration measures for people affected by the situation in Ukraine page for updates, resources and contact information, including:

  1. Contacting IRCC about the situation in Ukraine
  2. Status of IRCC’s offices overseas
  3. If you have immediate family in Ukraine
  4. Find useful information and resources if you are in Ukraine or if you are in Canada

CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel visa) and other immigration and travel updates

New immigration streams for Ukrainian nationals

On March 3, 2022, IRCC issued a news release announcing the following new immigration streams for Ukrainian nationals who want to come to Canada temporarily or permanently:

  • Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), available for all Ukrainian nationals wishing to come to Canada temporarily.
  • Special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence, for Ukrainian nationals who are immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

A subsequent press release on July 15, 2023, announced a launch date for the family reunification program of October 23, 2023.

Visit IRCC’s website for regular updates.

Permanent residence for Ukrainian nationals with family members in Canada

The pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainian nationals with family members in Canada opened on October 23, 2023.  Click here to learn more.

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel

The Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel opened on March 17, 2022. The last day to apply for the program from overseas was July 15, 2023. Ukrainian nationals and their families can still apply for a visitor visa through the regular process. Click here to learn more.

CUAET visa holders had until March 31, 2024, to travel to Canada under the special measures. CUAET holders who are already here in Canada had until March 31, 2024, to extend or adjust their temporary status through these measures, free of charge. CUAET visa holders who arrive after March 31, 2024, will be provided a 6 month visitor visa, and can apply from within country to extend or change their status (ie. add a work or study permit).

Medical exam

The federal government is waiving the pre-arrival immigration medical exam requirement for CUAET visa holders until 90 days after they arrive in Canada. If you need a medical exam to remove restrictions on your open work permit:

  • There is no cost for the exam in Manitoba.
  • You will need to present your Ukrainian ID, your CUAET visa and a Manitoba health card at the time of appointment. The nine-digit health number provided by Manitoba Health may be used if you do not have your physical health card.

Scroll down to “Open work permits for Ukrainians” to learn more about the medical exam.

Ukrainian settlement: Travelling to and settling in Canada

Visit this page to prepare before you travel to Canada, to learn more about your arrival at a Canadian airport, and to know where to find resources once you have landed, by province.

  • Are you in Warsaw? Click here to learn more about the Canada Information Centre (CI Centre) in Warsaw, Poland.

Ukrainian nationals already in Canada

Ukrainian nationals who arrived in Canada under a different status (for example, as visitors) can apply for a visa inside Canada but you need to meet certain criteria. For more details, click on this link: Visitor visas for workers and students: How to apply from inside Canada

Open work permits for Ukrainians

If you did not request a work permit when applying for a CUAET, or if you have questions about your current open work permit, click here to learn more.

  • Removing medical exemptions: Click here to learn how to arrange for a medical exam, to remove medical restrictions on your work permit
  • If you need help, click here to use a web form, or call +1-613-321-4243

Studying and Working in Canada as a CUAET visa holder

CUAET visa holders with a study permit only, will have restrictions on how much they can work. Guidelines are available here.

CUAET visa holders with a work permit only, who wish to pursue studies, and whose CUAET visa has a condition that states they cannot study, must obtain a study permit. You can hold both a work permit and study permit at the same time in Canada.

  • Click here to learn more about having a work permit and a study permit at the same time.

Settlement services for Ukrainian nationals

On March 30, 2022, Minister Sean Fraser announced that key settlement services will be available to Ukrainian nationals, including:

  • language training
  • information about and orientation to life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school
  • information and services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training
  • activities that promote connections with communities
  • assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies
  • services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons
  • other settlement supports available through the Settlement Program

Please refer to 3. Settlement services and support for list of free settlement services in Manitoba.

Ukrainians can access IRCC funded settlement services until March 31, 2025.

Welcome to Canada – Ukrainians coming to Canada

IRCC developed this portal, which includes detailed information and resources translated to Ukrainian on the following:

Webinar: CUAET Visa and Financial Support for Ukrainians Arriving in Canada

Click here to watch the recording in English of the webinar “CUAET Visa and Financial Support for Ukrainians Arriving in Canada”, hosted by OCASI and presented by IRCC and Service Canada. Cliquez ici pour l’interprétation en français de ce webinaire.

Emergency IRCC contact information for current applicants

  • IRCC established a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.

Emergency contact information for Canadians in Ukraine (not related to immigration)

Anyone in need of help can call the government’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre, based in Ottawa. The centre can be reached:

Canada Revenue Agency Resources

The following factsheet explains some federal benefits that Ukrainian nationals might be entitled to, after they arrive in Canada:

CRA also has a video available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, that explains benefits and credits for newcomers to Canada, and an infographic in English, Ukrainian and Russian.

GST/HST Credit

The GST/HST credit is a non-taxable amount paid four times a year to individuals and families with low and modest incomes to help offset the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) that they pay.

You are generally eligible for the GST/HST credit if you are considered a Canadian resident for income tax purposes the month before and at the beginning of the month in which the Canada Revenue Agency makes a payment.

If you have children use the RC66 form and the RC66SCH form. If you do not have children use the RC151 form.

For information on the GST credit click here. To speak to someone directly, contact Benefit Enquiries at 1-800-387-1193.

Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR)

The CCR (formerly called the Climate Action Incentive Payment) is a tax-free amount paid to help individuals and families offset the cost of the federal pollution pricing. It is available to residents of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and PEI.

Eligible residents who lived outside of a Census Metropolitan Area receive an additional 10%. Visit this website to find out if you qualify to receive the top-up.

Newcomers to Canada who submit an application to receive the GST/HST credit, will be automatically registered to receive the CCR.

More information about the CCR is available here.

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. The CCB may include the child disability benefit and any related provincial and territorial programs.

For information on the CCB, click here. To speak to someone directly, contact the Benefit Enquiries at 1-800-387-1193.

Registering Children with CRA

If someone arrives in Canada with children, regardless of Citizenship status, they should complete the RC66 form and the RC66SCH form to register their children with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Even if they are not eligible to claim the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), due to citizenship status, they will be able to receive the correct amount of GST and Canada Carbon Rebate (CCR) based on their family structure and income levels.

Accessing CCB after 18 months in Canada

As Ukrainians arriving in Canada under the CUAET program were issued temporary resident permits upon their arrival, they or their spouse/common-law partner’s must meet the 18 months of continuous residency in Canada before satisfying all of the conditions to be considered an eligible individual for the CCB program and applying to receive the benefit payments.

In their 19th month of residency,  temporary residents must apply for CCB, either online through My Account or by submitting a completed Form RC66 by mail to their tax center. Applicants should not send a letter, as it may not include all the required information and would increase processing time.

My Account is available to temporary residents and is the most efficient way of submitting benefits applications.

CRA does not send reminders to temporary residents to apply for CCB on the 19th month. CCB eligibility will only be determined when the 18-month residency criterion (months between the date of entry and the application received date) is met. If the client applies before it is met, a denial notice will be issued and the client must reapply.

Canada Dental Benefit

The interim Canada Dental Benefit program ended on June 30, 2024. The program is now closed.

The program was intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 per year. Parents and guardians may have been eligible if they paid for dental care for a child under 12 years old who did not have access to a private dental insurance plan. The benefit provided up to 2 payments per child for dental care between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024.

People can now check to see if they qualify for the new Canadian Dental Care Plan. This program is administered by service Canada, and information on the program can be found in the Service Canada section below.

CRA & community resources on income taxes

Filing your taxes with the federal government may allow you to apply for other financial benefits. You can file your own taxes electronically or by paper. You may also hire a representative to file your taxes on your behalf or visit a community volunteer tax clinic. To learn more about filing your taxes, please click here or review the Newcomers to Canada pamphlet.

Learn about your taxes is an online learning tool to help people understand how the Canadian tax system works. This resource seeks to demystify taxes, empowering individuals by teaching them how to do their personal taxes, and to increase awareness of available benefits and credits. Available in English and French only.

New Journey Housing has produced short videos related to filing your taxes in Canada:

Scam Awareness

The Little Black Book of Scams in a helpful guide produced by the Competition Bureau of Canada.

CRA has produced a number of posters that share information about how to protect yourself from various forms of scams.

More posters are available by visiting this page (select the language and poster of your choice from the drop-down menu at the right side).

Service Canada Resources

Service Canada’s Welcome to Canada guide was prepared to provide newly-arrived Ukrainians with essential information necessary during their first days in Canada. It is available in three languages:

Click here to see a guide by Service Canada on how to access financial assistance and related services for Ukrainian arrivals.

Financial Assistance

Click here to learn more about the one-time, non-taxable benefit provided by the Federal Government to Ukrainian families who are in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET)

This program is now closed. The last date CUAET visa holders could apply for the transtional assistance payment was June 30th, 2024.

Factsheets: Canada-Ukraine Transitional Financial Assistance

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Social Insurance Numbers are issued to temporary residents with a work permit or study permit, as well as permanent residents and Canadian citizens.

The following factsheet explains how to protect your SIN in various languages:

Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Service Canada is administering the new CDCP. Ukrainian newcomers who filed their 2023 Canadian tax return last year, and meet eligibility criteria, are encouraged to apply.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will help make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents who:

This program is opening in phases. Applications are now open for:

  • Seniors aged 65 and over
  • Children under the age of 18
  • Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate

It is anticipated that the program will open to all other eligible residents in 2025. Find out when you or your client can apply.

Reimbursement for services

  • Only oral health providers get reimbursed for services covered under the CDCP.
  • If you are covered by the CDCP, you shouldn’t pay the full cost upfront, but you may have to pay any additional charges directly to the oral health provider.

You can contact the CDCP at 1-833-537-4342, or visit a Service Canada Centre, for more information.

Other information about the program can be found here.

Safety resources from the RCMP

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have shared multilingual resources for Ukrainian newcomers.

 

Provincial information, resources and updates

Welcome Package for Ukrainian Arrivals

The Government of Manitoba has created a Welcome Package to help guide Ukrainian arrivals in the first 30 days of settling in Manitoba. It is available in Ukrainian and English.

Manitoba for Ukraine – resources by the Manitoba Government

The Manitoba government has launched the website https://www.gov.mb.ca/mbsupportsukraine/ to help give newcomers from Ukraine an easy, one-stop shop for helpful information about arriving in Manitoba, health care, financial assistance and more.

Employment and Income Assistance (EIA)

The Province of Manitoba previously provided CUAET visa holders who met financial eligibility requirements, with financial assistance through the Temporary Assistance Program (TAP).

To provide sustainable supports to CUAET visa holders, TAP ended March 31, 2023, and as of April 1, 2023, eligible CUAET visa holders can access Employment and Income Assistance (EIA).

The EIA program provides financial help to families in Manitoba who have no other way to support themselves, and includes benefits for food, shelter, clothing, personal and household needs, basic dental, optical and prescription drugs, and health-related supplies or equipment not provided by other programs. For people who are able to work, EIA also supports individuals with the transition to employment.

Households previously receiving TAP financial benefits were transitioned to EIA in April 2023. Individuals who were not receiving TAP benefits and are in financial need, will need to apply for EIA.

For further information regarding EIA eligibility click here. Information regarding EIA applications for newcomers under CUAET may be requested by leaving a voicemail at 204-945-5324 or emailing TAP@gov.mb.ca. Clients should not attend an EIA office unless advised to do so.

A factsheet on EIA for CUAET visa holders in available in English and Ukrainian.

Information on Healthcare Access for Ukrainians

Manitoba Health Card

Manitoba Health issues a card (or registration certificate) to all Manitoba residents, which includes a 9-digit lifetime identification number for each family member. CUAET visa holders are eligible for health care coverage as of the date they arrive in Manitoba.

Resources for Ukrainian Arrivals

The Province of Manitoba has shared a document outlining health services CUAET visa holders are eligible for. Access it here.

Below you can download an info sheet with various Winnipeg-based health resources and contacts for Ukrainians. These include mental health resources and access to interpreters when requesting health services:

Resources for Health Providers

Shared Health created this page with relevant health-related resources, links and contact information for health providers serving Ukrainian arrivals.

Resources for Parents

Newcomer Parent Guides for schools

The Province has prepared school guides in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and French for newcomer parents of school-aged children. Click here to view the guides.

Manitoba School System & Registration Process

In Fall 2022, MANSO, NEEDS, UCC and Immigrant Centre hosted an information session on the Manitoba School System & Registration Process, with Ukrainian interpretation, which was recorded here.

Child care subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy Program provides provincial support to eligible families to help with the cost of care by reducing child care fees. CUAET visa holders are eligible for child care subsidy, which is based on income. The full parent fee cost will be approved for the first six months of child care. Contact the subsidy office at cdcsubsidy@gov.mb.ca or (204) 945-8195.

Manitoba Pre-Natal Benefit

CUAET visa holders who are pregnant may be eligible for the Manitoba Prenatal Benefit. Expectant mothers with an income of less than $32,000 can receive up to $81.41 per month in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. The benefit also connects participants to Healthy Baby Community Support programs and resources. Learn more and apply here.

Newcomers who have not filed income taxes yet in Canada, will have to fill out the Newcomer to Canada Form in addition to the regular Healthy Baby Prenatal Benefit Application Form.

To contact the Manitoba Prenatal Benefit Program directly, call 204-945-1301 (in Winnipeg) or toll free at 1-877-587-6224 (outside Winnipeg).

Housing Resources

Canada Manitoba Housing Benefit (CMHB) – Homelessness Stream

Ukrainians with a CUAET visa may be eligible for the Canada Manitoba Housing Benefit which can provide up to $350 per month to help cover the cost of rent, plus an additional $72 per month if the rental fee does not include utilities. Applicants must meet all of the eligibility of the homelessness stream criteria which can be found here. A tenancy agreement, proof of income or a copy of EIA budget letter (request at TAP@gov.mb.ca), and a copy of CUAET visa, are needed to apply.

To learn more about recent CMHB updates watch our Lunch & Learn which was hosted on May 23rd, 2024

Updated application forms can be accessed here:

For more information and to submit completed forms:

Manitoba Hydro Information

Manitoba Hydro wants to remind all new Canadians about the dangers of natural gas and carbon monoxide (CO). Manitoba Hydro has produced a physical brochure that includes a scratch-and-sniff sticker to illustrate what natural gas smells like. Please contact the MANSO office at info@mansomanitoba.ca to put in a request for physical copies for your organization.

Digital copies: English, French, Ukrainian

RTB Resources

The Residential Tenancies Branch has translated the following resources into Ukrainian:

Tenant Insurance Brochure

The MANSO Housing Committee created this brochure in 2022, and made it available in several languages. In November 2023, it was translated into Ukrainian.

Information on Buying a Home as a Temporary Resident

New Journey Housing held a webinar with Jennifer Berthelette (Realtor PREC), and Brian McIver and Kiranjit Bedi (Assiniboine Credit Union). They shared information about the new ‘Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act’. This information is important for anyone that wants to buy a house in Canada but is not a permanent resident or citizen. Watch the recording here.

 

Settlement services and support

Housing Support in Winnipeg

New Journey Housing is a Winnipeg-based agency that helps newcomers find housing. New Journey Housing is located at 200-305 Broadway, and can be reached by phone at 204-942-2238.

New Journey Housing also hosts informational workshops on housing-related topics. Click here to visit their website and learn more about upcoming virtual and in-person sessions.

Settling in Rural Manitoba

Welcome Place provides support and information to newcomers interested in moving to rural Manitoba. Weekly info sessions for Ukrainian newcomers on communities and employment opportunities outside Winnipeg, will be held at Welcome Place’s main office at 521 Bannatyne Ave. Info sessions are held on Tuesdays from 9:30 am – 12 pm (no registration required). For more information, please visit the Welcome Place website.

Needs assessments, referrals, and other services

Manitoba Start provides central registration services and Needs and Assets Assessment and Referral Services (NAARS) for all newcomers arriving to facilitate awareness of settlement supports, linking to language training, the workforce and longer-term settlement needs.

  • Click here to learn how to register for services with Manitoba Start
  • Click here to visit the website Welcome to Winnipeg (Winnipeg Settlement & Orientation)
  • Click here to learn how to get the Welcome to Canada App in Ukrainian
  • Click here to watch the Manitoba Start’s WIN Settlement Guide in Ukrainian

Settlement agencies offer free services to newcomers in Manitoba, to support them in their settlement and integration process. To find a service provider near you, you can:

  • Click here to find free IRCC-funded newcomer services near you
  • View a map of IRCC-funded newcomer services across Canada (English, French, Ukrainian/Russian)
  • Click here to view the Winnipeg settlement services guide.
  • Click here to find MANSO member agencies providing free settlement services in Manitoba
  • Click here to find MANSO member agencies providing free employment search support in Manitoba
  • For any other free services offered by MANSO members, click here and then filter by type of service offered, using the “Website category” drop-down menu under the Search section on the right.

Mental Health resources

Navigating Mental Health Services

If you live in Manitoba and are trying to navigate mental health services you can connect with the Service Navigation Hub:

Other resources and supports

 

Other information and resources

Recreation, transit, and safety resources by the City of Winnipeg

Winnipeg residents, including Ukrainian individuals arriving under CUAET, are eligible for the following programs provided by the City of Winnipeg:

The Winnipeg Police Service prepared these informational sheets in English and in Ukrainian with advice about personal safety, and contacts for emergencies and to schedule a presentation.

The Winnipeg Public Library prepared these Welcome to the Library information sheets in English and in Ukrainian.

Legal Support

The Government of Canada is working with Pro Bono Ontario to offer free legal supports to Ukrainian newcomers across Canada (and pre-arrival) with questions about immigration and legal systems.

  • Call 1-877-873-7875
  • 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST
  • Monday to Friday
  • Assistance is available in English, French and Ukrainian.

Family Violence Resources

If you are in an abusive relationship, or you know someone who may be, reach for support. You are not alone. For immediate support:

  • Call 1-877-977-0007
  • Text 204-792-5302 or 204-805-6682

For information and resources, call 211 and visit Family violence prevention program and Domestic Violence & Intimate Partner Violence Resources

COVID-19 information in Ukrainian and Russian

Click here to find a regularly updated list of information and resources about COVID-19, vaccination, and prevention. All resources are by federal and provincial government sources unless otherwise noted.

  • COVID-19 factsheets by Metropolis Social Determinants of Health – includes 7 factsheets addressing topics like Omicron, boosters, testing, and child vaccination

Resources for Educators

Interpretation Services

CanTalk’s 24/7 interpretation services via phone are available for verifiable organizations in order to speak, and translate as needed, with those Ukrainian citizens and refugees arriving in Manitoba, from other areas of Canada, from Ukraine OR with those in countries surrounding Ukraine and in languages required. Please refer to their Offer of Language Assistance for more information and contact details.

Employment

  • The Province of Manitoba has put together factsheets for employers and Ukrainian arrivals, on employment opportunities for Ukrainian newcomers in Manitoba:
  • factsheet for employers
  • factsheet for newcomers (Ukrainian, English)

The Province of Manitoba is also hosting free employment information events. Visit the calendar and click the arrow beside the name of the month to see available sessions.

There are several job portals where Ukrainians can find employment, and employers can consider post-job opportunities, including:

  • Jobs for Ukraine: The Federal Government maintains this page with job opportunities submitted by employers for Ukrainian Nationals.
  • Work in Manitoba: Work in Manitoba connects employers with skilled talent who wish to pursue a career in Manitoba.
  • Job Connections Portal: Economic Development Winnipeg’s Business Development team, YES! Winnipeg added a section to its Job Connections Portal to connect Ukrainians with job opportunities submitted by employers.
  • Newcomer Employment Hub: Initiated by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, the Hub is an online job tool that matches job seekers and Manitoba employers.
  • Manitoba Start: Manitoba Start partners with employers to identify opportunities in many fields and industries. Check their job postings for opportunities for Ukrainian nationals.

 

Disclaimer

MANSO is sharing these resources for information purposes only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, but we are making every effort to only provide information produced by trusted sources. We also do not promote or endorse any additional services offered on a third-party website. The situation is very fluid, and information can change rapidly. Please refer to the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information.

Government of Canada invests $35 million to expand settlement services for newcomers in small towns and rural communities

Posted

January 17, 2022—Ottawa—Newcomers to Canada play a crucial role in the future of our country and contribute in important ways to our society and economic recovery from the pandemic. To ensure newcomers settling in small towns and rural communities have access to essential services during their first year in Canada, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced an investment of more than $35 million to expand resettlement capacity and settlement services across Canada.

These services have never been more critical for newcomers, as the ongoing pandemic has added to the already challenging process of building a new life in a new country. Following the Resettlement Assistance Program and Case Management Services call for proposals, 23 projects were selected to provide greater services to help refugees and vulnerable newcomers settle and adapt to life in Canada.

This investment includes $21 million to add 9 new Resettlement Assistance Program service providers in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

More information.

Ottawa, le 17 janvier 2022—Les nouveaux arrivants au Canada jouent un rôle crucial dans l’avenir de notre pays et contribuent de manière importante à notre société et à la relance économique après la pandémie. Pour s’assurer que les nouveaux arrivants qui s’établissent dans les petites villes et les communautés rurales ont accès aux services qui leur sont essentiels au cours de leur première année au Canada, l’honorable Sean Fraser, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, a annoncé un investissement de plus de 35 millions de dollars pour accroître la capacité en réinstallation et étendre les services d’établissement partout au Canada.

Avec la pandémie en cours qui s’ajoute au processus déjà difficile pour commencer une nouvelle vie dans un nouveau pays, ces services n’ont jamais été aussi essentiels pour les nouveaux arrivants. Dans la foulée de l’appel de propositions pour les services de réinstallation et de gestion des cas, 23 projets ont été sélectionnés pour fournir davantage de services afin d’aider les réfugiés et les nouveaux arrivants vulnérables à s’établir et à s’adapter à la vie au Canada.

Cet investissement comprend un montant de 21 millions de dollars pour l’ajout de neuf nouveaux fournisseurs de services au Programme d’aide à la réinstallation en Colombie‑Britannique, en Alberta, au Manitoba et au Nouveau-Brunswick.

Plus d’infos ici.

Stay informed: Canada’s response to the situation in Afghanistan

Posted

On August 13, 2021, the Government of Canada announced an expanded resettlement program, intended to resettle 20,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals in Canada.

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Learn about Canada’s response to the situation in Afghanistan and the supports that are available, including:

Source: Government of Canada website.

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)

The IRB is taking measures to expedite all Afghan files. This includes reviewing refugee claims to see if they can be accepted on paper or referred to a short hearing.

See more details on IRB Afghan measures.

Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR)

CCR has developed some documents to provide summary updates on the Afghan crisis and provide recommendations to government and community stakeholders.

See more detail on Afghan crisis information update – September 29, 2021

Disclaimer

MANSO is sharing these resources for information purposes only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy but are making every effort to only provide information produced by trusted sources. We also do not promote or endorse any additional services offered on a third-party website. The situation is very fluid and information can change rapidly. Please refer to the government website for the most up-to-date information.

Kichi-Asotamatowin: Land & Treaties Curriculum

Posted

MANSO and Immigration Partnership Winnipeg are pleased to announce the launch of the Kichi-Asotamatowin*: Land & Treaties Curriculum for English as an Additional adult language program.  The curriculum is for use in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) programs as well as more informal contexts like conversation classes and one-on-one tutoring.

The curriculum was developed in partnership with Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Community Engaged Learning, and KAIROS Canada Inc.

Kichi-Asotamatowin: Land & Treaties Curriculum

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #93, Immigration Partnership Winnipeg and its partners are developing a larger project, called the Indigenous Orientation Toolkit (IOTK).  The English as an Additional Language curriculum is one part of that project and its goal is to provide newcomers with information on Indigenous history and culture, customs and beliefs, and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples.

The curriculum is intended to assist teachers in introducing newcomers to the foundational history
of Indigenous nations and their historical and contemporary contributions to the development of Canada. The exploration is centred on First Nations’ and Metis peoples’ perspectives on land and Treaties. When combined with leadership, teaching, and self exploration, the activities are intended to support personal growth and solidarity, and help newcomers contribute to community reconciliation efforts. Although the curriculum was designed with a Manitoba-specific focus, we hope that it may also prove to be a useful resource for language programs in regions across Turtle Island.

Upcoming EAL Modules that are in development:

  • Assimilation: Bimikawesiwan (Anishinaabe) ‘no footprints’
    Worldviews & Spirituality: Wiinjiindaamin (Anishinaabe) ‘to follow the way of life’
    Indigenous Resilience and Resurgence: Zoonigiziyaan (Anishinaabe) ‘I am strong’
    Family: ‘Famili’ (Michif)

‘sacred promises to one another, sacred undertaking’ (there is no direct translation for the English word ‘Treaty’ in Cree)

If you have questions or comments about the language aspect of the curriculum, please feel free to contact Teresa Burke, Director of Language Support (MANSO) at t.burke@mansomanitoba.ca.

If you have questions or comments about the content of the curriculum, please feel free to contact Jamie Banias, or Adrianne Breyfogle, the Indigenous Engagement Coordinators at Immigration Partnership Winnipeg at jbanias@spcw.mb.ca or abreyfogle@spcw.mb.ca

New College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to open this fall

Posted

August 10, 2021—Ottawa—Canada is one of the top destinations in the world, with millions of people from across the globe hoping to come here every year to settle, visit or work. To navigate the immigration system, many people turn to consultants or other services for help. While nearly all operate honestly, unscrupulous actors can exploit the system and take advantage of people. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking meaningful action to root out immigration fraud and protect those who wish to come here.

Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants will officially open on November 23, 2021. The College will become the official regulator of immigration and citizenship consultants across the country, improving oversight and cracking down on criminals. It will be an arm’s-length institution, regulating the profession by protecting both the public and consultants in good standing from those who take advantage of vulnerable people.

The College will regulate immigration and citizenship consultants under a statutory framework put in place by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act. It will have significant new powers and tools to investigate professional misconduct and to discipline its licensees. It will also be subject to appropriate government oversight.

The creation of the College is a key part of the government’s efforts to fight fraud in our immigration system. It builds on our significant action over the past few years, including an investment of $50 million to fight fraud and new educational tools to help applicants identify fraudulent activity. It also fulfills a mandate commitment to strengthen oversight, uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and protect all those who wish to come here.

Le 10 août 2021 — Ottawa — Le Canada compte parmi les destinations les plus courues du globe, et des millions de personnes de partout dans le monde s’y rendent chaque année comme touristes, comme travailleurs, ou pour s’y établir. Bien des gens se tournent vers des consultants ou d’autres fournisseurs de services pour les aider à naviguer à travers les écueils du système d’immigration. Bien que la plupart d’entre eux exercent leurs activités honnêtement, des intervenants peu scrupuleux peuvent exploiter le système et profiter de leurs clients. Voilà pourquoi le gouvernement du Canada prend des mesures concrètes pour combattre la fraude et protéger les personnes qui désirent s’établir au pays.

Aujourd’hui, l’honorable Marco E.L. Mendicino, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, a annoncé que le Collège des consultants en immigration et en citoyenneté ouvrira ses portes officiellement le 23 novembre 2021. En devenant l’organisme de réglementation officiel des consultants en immigration et en citoyenneté à l’échelle du pays, le Collège améliorera la surveillance et punira les criminels. Cette entité sans lien de dépendance aura pour mandat de réglementer la profession en protégeant le grand public et les consultants en règle des intervenants qui profitent des personnes vulnérables.

Les activités de réglementation des consultants en immigration et en citoyenneté du Collège s’inscriront dans le cadre législatif créé par la Loi sur le Collège des consultants en immigration et en citoyenneté. L’organisme sera doté d’outils et de pouvoirs importants lui permettant d’enquêter sur l’inconduite professionnelle et de prendre des mesures disciplinaires à l’égard des titulaires de permis. Il fera également l’objet d’une surveillance appropriée de la part du gouvernement.

La création du Collège fait partie intégrante des efforts déployés par le gouvernement pour lutter contre la fraude dans notre système d’immigration. Elle fait fond sur d’importantes mesures prises au cours des dernières années, notamment l’investissement de 50 millions de dollars dans la lutte contre la fraude et l’élaboration de nouveaux outils éducatifs pour aider les demandeurs à reconnaître les activités frauduleuses. En outre, la création du Collège permet de réaliser les éléments du mandat consistant à renforcer la surveillance, à protéger l’intégrité du système d’immigration du pays et à protéger toutes les personnes qui désirent venir au Canada.

Government of Canada invests $100 million in Service Improvement Delivery (SDI) process to support newcomers’ integration

Posted

August 12, 2021—Ottawa—Settlement services are crucial to a newcomer’s success in Canada. They help new Canadians get work, learn English or French, find a place to live and, more broadly, succeed in this country. With the pandemic exacerbating the already challenging process of beginning a new life in a new land, settlement services have never been more critical.

To help ensure that all newcomers have access to the support they need, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced an investment of $100 million over the next 3 years to improve the way newcomers access settlement services through the service delivery improvements (SDI) process.

More information.

Le 12 août 2021 – Ottawa – Les services d’établissement sont essentiels à la réussite d’un nouvel arrivant au Canada. Ils aident les nouveaux Canadiens à trouver un emploi, à apprendre le français ou l’anglais, à trouver un logement et, plus généralement, à réussir dans ce pays. Dans le contexte de la pandémie qui complique le processus déjà difficile de commencer une nouvelle vie dans un nouveau pays, les services d’établissement n’ont jamais été aussi essentiels.

Pour faire en sorte que tous les nouveaux arrivants aient accès au soutien dont ils ont besoin, l’honorable Marco E. L. Mendicino, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, a annoncé aujourd’hui un investissement de 100 millions de dollars pour les 3 prochaines années afin d’améliorer la façon dont les nouveaux arrivants accèdent aux services d’établissement par l’entremise du processus d’amélioration de la prestation des services (APS).

Plus d’infos ici.