Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that the government is considering granting permanent residency to Ukrainians who fled their country due to the war.
While granting permanent status to approximately 300,000 Ukrainians who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program is not currently a priority, the possibility remains on the table.
The CUAET Program, launched in February 2022, allows Ukrainians to work, study, and stay in Canada for up to three years, with the option to extend for another three years starting in August.
Miller noted that many Ukrainians have since established families, integrated into Canadian society, and expressed a desire to stay. According to the group Pathfinders for Ukraine, over 90% of temporary visa holders wish to settle in Canada permanently.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the importance of Ukrainians returning to help rebuild their country after the war ends.
The Canadian government is striving to balance humanitarian considerations with geopolitical realities. Miller stated that after the war, these individuals may be expected to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction. Nevertheless, some Ukrainians have already obtained permanent residency through provincial programs in regions such as Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Advocacy groups like Pathfinders for Ukraine are urging the government to create a specific pathway to permanent residency. They argue that providing stability and opportunities for displaced Ukrainians aligns with Canada’s humanitarian values. Ukrainians are already contributing significantly to Canadian society through work, paying taxes, and community involvement, while their children are adapting well to schools.
Challenges Ahead: The Canadian government’s recent decision to reduce immigration quotas complicates the situation. In an effort to ease pressures on housing and public services, Ottawa has lowered its targets for admitting new permanent residents. This could make it more difficult to grant status to Ukrainians who wish to stay.
Source: The Globe and Mail - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-allowing-ukrainians-who-fled-war-to-settle-in-canada-not-off-the-table/
