Demonstrators fly Ukrainian flags while rallying in Halifax on Feb. 23, during a global day of action marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press
The federal government should reconsider its policy on Ukrainians living temporarily in Canada that makes them apply to extend their work visas, a key organization representing the Ukrainian community said Monday.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has called on Immigration Minister Marc Miller to enact an automatic three-year extension of the visas, associated work permits and benefits for all participants in the program that has allowed Ukrainians fleeing the war to work, study or stay in Canada for up to three years.
The program has facilitated the temporary settlement of nearly 300,000 Ukrainians and their family members in Canada.
“We feel that it is unnecessary to make all of these people apply again and then be uncertain as to what the result will be,” Ihor Michalchyshyn, the CEO and executive director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, said in an interview on Monday.
“If we are truly welcoming Ukrainian temporary displaced refugees into Canada, we don’t think they need to be put through another moment of uncertainty in terms of an application.”
Allowing Ukrainians who fled war to settle in Canada not off the table, Immigration Minister says
Mr. Michalchyshyn said he has heard from employers who are having difficulty planning because of uncertainty around the immigration status of Ukrainians who have temporarily settled in Canada while the conflict with Russia is under way.
A spokesperson for Mr. Miller says the department is sticking to its policy for now.
Renée LeBlanc Proctor said in a statement Canada is committed to providing a “temporary safe haven” to displaced Ukrainians and offering protection, while recognizing the long-term goal for many is to return to Ukraine when it is safe.
It says the option of permanent residency for Ukrainians seeking shelter is not something Canada is considering, given the program was meant to be temporary and it has reduced overall permanent resident targets in its immigration plan for 2025 to 2027.
Ottawa announced plans last year to reduce new permanent resident numbers from 500,000 to 395,000 this year and from 500,000 to 380,000 in 2026, followed by a 2027 target of 365,000 new permanent residents.
The office of federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre did not respond to a request for comment on its immigration policy for Ukrainians.
Mr. Michalchyshyn said he hopes the conflict will not be continuing in a year – the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“We, as Canadians, and we in the plural sense of democratic nations of the world, should be working to ensure Russia loses and is kicked out of every international institution and every possible sanction is placed on it,” he said.
Overall, he said Canada has been showing support to Ukraine, but added that more arms and armaments are necessary to help Ukraine prevail against Russia.