Canada has opened its doors for war-ravaged Ukrainians. Does it have the capacity?

Canadian immigrant settlement agencies are awaiting more details from the federal government about the number of Ukrainians expected and the post-arrival supports.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens in war-ravaged Ukraine, Canada is bracing for an influx of Ukrainians in the midst of Russia’s invasion of their country.

More than 2.5 million people — mostly women and children — have already fled Ukraine since the start of the conflict on Feb. 24, with neighbouring countries in eastern Europe opening their doors to welcome the displaced civilians.

The Canadian government has launched two special programs to assist Ukrainian nationals to come to Canada on a temporary or permanent basis, but there are several logistical details to be ironed out.

Under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program announced by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Ukrainians can stay in the country for at least two years. There is no limit on the number of people who are eligible to apply.

Canada is also implementing a special family reunification sponsorship program for permanent residency. The details will be announced in the “coming weeks”, said Rémi Larivière, an IRCC spokesperson.

Settlement agencies in Canada are waiting to get more clarity from the government about the post-arrival process for incoming Ukrainians and the role they will be expected to play.

Chris Friesen, chair of the Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance, said not having a defined target in terms of the number of arrivals, or a timeframe, “makes it nearly impossible to plan adequately.”

“It makes it really difficult to put out a call for action with clear goals that match and meet the levels that are anticipated arriving,” he told Global News.