April 13, 2022
Manitoba Government Announces Establishment of Reception Centre for Ukrainian Refugees
– – –Province Will Welcome as Many Ukrainians as Possible: Premier
A central reception centre for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Manitoba will open in the coming days near the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, Premier Heather Stefanson announced today.
"Since the beginning of this brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and its people, our government has been preparing for the potential arrival of thousands of Ukrainians seeking safety and refuge here in Manitoba,” said Stefanson. “We will welcome Ukrainians suffering unimaginable loss with open hearts and arms, and support them with a full range of supports including housing arrangements, health and mental-health care, education, child care, social assistance, language services and employment assistance.”
The reception centre is part of the ongoing whole-of-government operational planning and coordination efforts of the provincial Ukrainian Refugee Task Force, which is working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council and other Ukrainian-Canadian organizations, the settlement sector, community groups and other non-government organizations to welcome Ukrainians to Manitoba and coordinate a full continuum of supports after their arrival.
The reception centre will provide:
- initial intake services to determine individual and family needs;
- temporary accommodations and meals to individuals who have no connection to individuals in Manitoba;
- access to co-ordinated health-care services through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Manitoba Health; and
- registration, brief orientation and referral services through Manitoba Start to facilitate awareness of settlement supports that link people to language training, the workforce and longer-term settlement needs.
“While one in seven Manitobans is of Ukrainian descent, we are all Ukrainians during this terrible ordeal,” said Stefanson. “We will welcome as many Ukrainians as possible.”
Volunteers will also be on site to help greet families as they arrive and to provide language assistance in their first languages. Any donations of goods or supplies should be made through the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council.
“As the trickle of individuals coming to Manitoba from Ukraine becomes a steady flow, we welcome the establishment of the Manitoba reception centre that will enable the triaging of clients and the development of individualized plans of action for each circumstance,” said Joanne Lewandoski, chair, Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council. “'Manitoba has truly demonstrated that Ukraine does not stand alone. The opening of its doors to hundreds and perhaps thousands of individuals displaced by the war demonstrates that decency and human kindness have no borders, that Manitoba and its people openly welcome these newcomers and that light and goodness will ultimately prevail over evil and darkness.”
The premier noted the Manitoba government has provided $800,000 in direct humanitarian aid to Ukraine so far and the government of Manitoba will continue to make large-scale investments in provincial supports and services as Ukrainians arrive in Manitoba.
The premier also highlighted the dedicated government website, which serves as a central portal to share information on Manitoba's response efforts and to co-ordinate assistance with community partners and Ukrainian-Canadian organizations.
To learn more about the Manitoba government’s response, how to help and to receive further updates, visit https://manitoba4ukraine.ca/ for information in English, French and Ukrainian and additional links.
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