The plan to settle thousands of Ukrainians in Canada so far appears to offer no effective means to keep track of new arrivals and connect them directly with community supports, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress says.
The federal government is expected to release more details soon about the plan to settle an unlimited number of Ukrainian nationals and their families in Canada.
As far as Michalchyshyn knows, that program will be voluntary and people could miss it, making it difficult for those arriving to access support from the government and community. The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, estimates that 3.9 million people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since Feb. 24.
Fraser told the House of Commons on Tuesday the government would extend settlement supports, including help finding a job, language training and other measures usually available to refugees, to Ukrainians who come to Canada. The congress has also flagged that there are longer waits for emergency travel documents and biometrics, which could slow people's ability to come to Canada.