Quebecers step up to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees
As the federal and provincial governments work out how to streamline visa applications from Ukrainians fleeing warfare, a Quebec City lawyer has already gathered nearly 200 names of Canadians willing to host refugees in their homes.
Daughter's embrace welcomes Ukrainian refugee to Winnipeg on same day Canada eases visa rules
Members of the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg welcomed the federal government's announcement, but they
say the process may still be too slow to protect their loved ones.
"[The measures] are a step in the right direction," said Nick Krawetz, a third-generation Ukrainian Canadian whose wife is from Ukraine. Most of her family is still there.
"However, Canada must and should do more in order to provide a lifeline to Ukrainians fleeing Russian missiles, tanks and artillery right now."
The federal government says the streamlined process for Ukrainians will open in two weeks' time.
"That's two weeks while Ukrainian children are going to be faced with air raid sirens, living in bomb shelters while missiles are falling on them," said Krawetz.
He has called on the federal government to temporarily waive all visa requirements for Ukrainian refugees.
The federal government said Thursday it will waive most visa requirements and fees, but applicants still need to submit biometrics — fingerprints and photos — and undergo a background screening process before leaving for Canada. People must cross the border into a neighbouring country such as Poland or Slovakia in order to access a biometric kit.
Feklisov agrees the two weeks it will take to implement the changes to the visa process is too long. Her mother was able to come to Canada now because she already had a visa.
"It's a very good idea, but what will happen, I don't know. I think I cannot wait two more weeks for my niece. She's with, not strange family, but other family in Warsaw. She's 15, it's hard for her."
'Level of dysfunctionality' heartbreaking: consultant
Winnipeg-based immigration consultant Randy Boldt questions why the federal government doesn't just drop the visa requirement entirely.
"I wish they could find ways to move much, much, much faster," he said.
"To suggest that the applications will be ready in two weeks, and then likely it will be some months after that, when a million people a week are being displaced — they just break my heart, and everybody's heart, that we have this level of dysfunctionality."
Ottawa says implementing visa-free travel for Ukrainians would take up to three months, due to changes that would be needed to the government's information technology systems and airline processes. The federal immigration minister said Thursday there's no time for a three-month delay, given the urgency of the situation.
Winnipeg's mayor says he has been in contact with federal and provincial officials to pledge the city's support for Ukrainians.
Bowman also announced Thursday that he is donating $10,000 from his office budget to Winnipeg's Ukrainian sister city, Lviv, to help meet the needs of internally displaced people.
Winnipeg, where nearly one in eight people can trace their heritage to Ukraine, has deep connections to the country, Bowman said.
"We have benefited from community builders that are of Ukrainian heritage and we want to, during this time of crisis, continue to keep our doors open to those that are fleeing, in this case, a Russian invasion," he said.
Preparations to house and support Ukrainian refugees are primarily the responsibility of federal and provincial governments, but Bowman said the city is prepared to offer any assistance it can.