British Columbia set to waive health care wait period, student fees for Ukrainian refugees

The move comes as the first few refugees from Ukraine arrive in Canada including in parts of British Columbia.

The B.C. government is expected to waive the three-month waiting period for health care and the international student fees for Ukrainian refugees who arrive in the province.

The move comes as the first refugees from Ukraine begin arriving in Canada including in parts of British Columbia.

In an interview, Municipal Affairs Minister Nathan Cullen said the province was working on better understanding what supports will be provided by federal government.

B.C. will ensure options are available for housing and barriers are eliminated for accessing the health care and education system, he said.

Currently, those moving from B.C. from other jurisdictions must wait three months to receive health care services. International students are also required to pay a student fee to attend the K-to-12 system.

“We are also working quite quickly to connect British Columbians who are looking to support Ukrainians, either financially or offering up space, and we’re working very closely with the Ukrainian Congress here in B.C. and other service providers to make sure those answers are there for British Columbians,” Cullen said.

Earlier this week, federal immigration minister Sean Fraser announced an expansion of the federal settlement program to offer key services such as language training, orientation, employment assistance and other supports for Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities.