Saskatchewan preparing to accept refugees from Ukraine

Saskatchewan is putting out the welcome mat for refugees fleeing Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s attack on the country.

“I spoke with my federal counterpart yesterday to advise that Saskatchewan will open our doors to an unlimited number of Ukrainians affected by the conflict, and we want to open those doors expeditiously,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a media release Wednesday.

Harrison spoken with Sean Fraser — the federal minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — and expressed the provincial government’s desire to help out.

Estimates say nearly one million people have left Ukraine since Russian forces attacked last Wednesday night.

The Saskatchewan government estimates about 15 per cent of the province’s population can trace its roots to Ukraine.

“It’s time to pay our debt back to those generations of Ukrainian immigrants who helped build our province, giving refuge to their (descendants) who are being so viciously attacked by the Putin regime,” Harrison said.

“Ukrainians will find a welcoming environment in our communities, including many residents with the same culture and language, which will assist in ensuring long-term success with resettlement in Saskatchewan.”

According to the government, funding will be provided to assist with the co-ordination of community supports such as settlement services for Ukrainian families arriving in Saskatchewan.

The government also is prepared to help any of the Ukrainian refugees arriving in the province get the language, skills and connections required to live and work in Saskatchewan.

The province said it will prioritize any applications received from Ukrainian citizens to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, which has brought nearly 300 Ukrainian citizens to Saskatchewan over the past five years.