Ontario expands job access to arriving Ukrainians

This is just one of a series of support measures from the Ontario government

BY Dexter Tilo 06 Apr. 2022

Ontario has announced a string of support schemes that will give arriving Ukrainian families better access to jobs and to help them settle once come to the province. In an announcement, the government unveiled a dedicated hotline (1-888-562-4769), as well as an email address ([email protected]) connect arriving Ukrainians with job search supports and local employers in the province.

The province is eyeing their arrival as a solution to the hundreds of thousands of in-demand jobs that need to be filled.

"Our government will always embrace newcomers to the province, particularly at a time when we need more people to help fill in-demand jobs and especially the brave people fleeing the unjust war in Ukraine," said Premier Doug Ford. "As families arrive from Ukraine, we're making sure the resources and supports are in place to help them find meaningful employment while also keeping them safe and healthy."

According to Labour Minister Monte McNaughton, the province is in a "strong position" to welcome Ukrainians and provide them with better jobs.

"Ontario's economy is set to boom. With over 338,000 good jobs waiting to be filled and hundreds of Ontario businesses who have stepped up with job offers, we are in a strong position to welcome Ukrainian newcomers and help them find good jobs when they are ready to work," said McNaughton.

In addition, the arriving Ukrainian families will also be eligible for the following suite of supports unveiled by the province:

Access to Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage which includes health care supports and services they may need, including mental health services.
Access to drug benefits for Ukrainians through OHIP eligibility or receiving emergency income assistance.
Access to emergency housing through settlement service agencies and Ukrainian community organisations, including host homes and other temporary settings that Ukrainians may need until long-term arrangements are made.
Ensuring Ukrainian elementary and secondary school students can attend publicly funded schools for free.
Trauma-informed counselling and culturally responsive supports to students and families as well as the promotion of intercultural understanding and awareness of Ukrainian stories and history, through a $449,000 provincial investment to Canadian-Ukrainian community organisations.
Support for persons who have been admitted to Canada on an emergency basis for humanitarian reasons studying at Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities through a new provincial $1.9 million Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship.
Financial support of up to $28,000 through our province’s Second Career Program, for those who apply and are eligible, for basic living allowances, tuition, transportation, and other critical needs.

Those who are qualified to the supports are Ukrainians who arrived under the new federal travel authorisation.

"As minister responsible for immigration, my heart goes out to families fleeing this tragedy," said McNaughton. “Ontario is doing everything in our power to support the people of Ukraine. True to the Ontario spirit, our message to Ukrainians is simple: Ontario stands with you, and Ontario’s arms are open to you – the people of Ontario will take care of you.”

The announcement from the government weeks after the labour minister said that Ontario has "hundreds of employers" and "dozens of labour leaders" that are ready to provide over 30,000 jobs for Ukrainian refugees.

The province is also extending $900,000 over three years to the Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society to deliver targeted settlement services.

"The funding will help Ukrainian newcomers get settled, find housing and access services such as mental health supports, education for children, language instruction for adults, and employment and training supports," said the government announcement.

Meanwhile, the province is also working to deliver thousands of medical supplies and equipment to Ukraine. It is also very closely with our international partners to make sure the supplies can reach and help Ukrainians amid the crisis.