Kevin Werner Hamilton Spectator Wed., July 6, 2022
Hamilton councillors agreed to spend over $1.4 million within the next two months to assist Ukrainian refugees as they settle into the community.
Councillors had been reluctant to spend the money at an earlier committee meeting because it was unclear if the federal government would compensate the city for the costs.
But Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who has been adamant about helping Ukrainians who arrived in the city after escaping Russia's invasion of their country, told councillors at their June 23 meeting that families are looking to the city for help.
“I have some confidence (the federal government) will be there for us,” said Eisenberger. “There is a need.”
It will cost the city about $670,000 per month for a maximum allocation of two months to assist the newcomers and their families, said Eisenberger. The funding will go towards providing accommodations for 50 households.
The federal government has created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, which provides newcomers with access to housing, language training, children’s education, employment counselling and other settlement support services.
Julie Lafortune, spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, stated Ukrainian refugees can apply through Canada’s online portal to receive transitional assistance. The federal government is providing direct, one-time funding payments of $3,000 for an adult and $1,500 for a youth under 17.
In addition, the federal government is allowing Ukrainians and their family members the opportunity to stay in Canada for three years. They are eligible for a free, open-work permit or study permit allowing them to take a job with almost any employer or enroll in any education program.
Ontario has promised $300 million to assist Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, but city staff said it is unclear how the funding will be allocated.
On June 21, Hamilton held a one-stop drop-in centre that attracted about 170 Ukrainian newcomers and their host families searching for information on various subjects, including support services.
The Canadian Red Cross has stated the number of Ukrainians arriving into Canada at Pearson Airport will be about 300 per day. There are about 75 Ukrainians in a quarantine facility in Peel Region, most of whom do not have an accommodation plan.
So far over 22,200 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada, with an estimated 200 Ukrainians in Hamilton living with friends, family and host families across the city.
Mountain Coun. John-Paul Danko, referring to a photography exhibit at City Hall called “United for Ukraine: Images of War 2014-2022,” which show images of the war in Ukraine, said the pictures provided him with a “different perspective on this conflict.”
“It is the right thing to do to offer the assistance we are able (to),” he said.
Stoney Creek Coun. Brad Clark said providing the funding is “prudent,” especially since the Ukrainians are already in the community.
“They are on our doorstep,” said Clark. “And there are more coming.”