Ukrainian refugees will have more support from the Alberta government if Budget 2023 passes.
A total of $27.3 million would be provided, including $7 million in new funding for language and settlement services, and $20.3 million for housing and financial supports for Ukrainian evacuees.
“The Alberta government is steadfast in supporting Ukrainians coming to Canada to avoid Russia’s war machine. Our Alberta government will continue to find ways to support Ukrainians coming to Alberta as long as this war continues,” said Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement in a statement.
About 21,600 Ukrainians have come to Alberta since Russian forces began their invasion of Ukraine one year ago. More are expected to arrive in coming months.
Settlement and language supports
Budget 2023 aims to provide $7 million total over three years for ongoing settlement and language supports.
This means settlement agencies and immigrant-serving organizations will be able to meet increased demand and provide supports necessary for Ukrainian refugees to successfully transition into Alberta communities.
“Ukraine is grateful for the Government of Alberta’s constant and effective support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in our struggle against unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression,” said Oleksandr Danyleiko, consul general of Ukraine in Edmonton.
“We are also grateful for the support of Ukrainians who come to the province to escape the horrors of the Russian war, mostly women with children. Many of them have no relatives or friends here and are also very limited in means of living. Such support is important, and we hope to continue fruitful cooperation with the Government of Alberta in this direction.”
Affordable housing and income support
Ukrainian evacuees are also now eligible to apply for the same social housing and rent supplement programs as other Albertans as of Feb. 24, 2023.
Evacuees were not able to apply for Alberta’s Rent Supplement Program previously, due to citizenship, refugee or immigration status requirements.
An additional $9.9 million is earmarked for the program in Budget 2023, bringing the total additional support to $16.7 million.
Budget 2023 also proposes $3.6 million to extend and continue financial benefits through the Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support and Benefits program. This would be extended until Jan. 2024, with the six-month maximum duration of benefits removed to ensure benefits are given out based on need.
“With thousands of Ukrainian individuals and families fleeing to Alberta, our government is ensuring support is available for them,” said Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
“It is important for those leaving Ukraine to know that our government stands with them in solidarity against the tragic war in their home country, and we will show that by supporting those who find refuge in Alberta.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the constituency office via the contact page.