Halifax, Nova Scotia-As part of our commitment to support those fleeing Russia's unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, Canada secured charter flights for those needing help to travel here. The Government of Canada continues to work closely with provinces and territories, settlement organizations and NGOs across the country to support Ukrainians and their family members before, during, and after their arrival in Canada.
Today, a federal charter flight carrying 319 Ukrainians arrived in Halifax. They were welcomed by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, and the Honourable Jill Balser, Nova Scotia Minister of Labour, Skills, and Immigration.
This flight is the third federal charter organized to bring people to Canada as a temporary safe haven. The first charter flight brought 328 Ukrainians to Winnipeg, Manitoba, on May 23, and the second brought 306 people to Montréal, Quebec, on May 29. These federal charter flights were available to Ukrainian nationals and their family members approved through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program. Those arriving on the 3 charter flights who did not have suitable arrangements have also been provided with temporary accommodations for up to 14 nights.
Earlier today, Minister Fraser announced that Ukrainians and their accompanying family members who are in Canada as part of the CUAET program can now apply for transitional financial assistance through a new Government of Canada online portal. This one-time financial assistance will help Ukrainians address their immediate and basic needs-such as transportation and housing-as they settle in communities across Canada.
These charter flights build on other travel support initiatives, including the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund, through which Canadians and Canadian companies can donate their Aeroplan points to help bring at least 10,000 Ukrainians and their families on flights to Canada.
Photos from today's charter flight, as well as photos of Ukrainians arriving in Montréal and Winnipeg, are available in Dropbox.
