Planeload of Ukrainians seeking shelter in Canada lands in St. John's

The first government-chartered group of Ukrainian refugees seeking shelter in Newfoundland and Labrador has landed in St. John's.

The flight touched down at St. John's International Airport near 7 p.m. NT after taking off from the Polish city of Katowice. A total of 166 refugees were on board, including 55 children, according to Premier Andrew Furey, who welcomed them to the province after their landing.

The flight, chartered by the province's Immigration Department, is part of rescue efforts first launched by the provincial government in March, which established a satellite office in Warsaw to help Ukrainians fleeing Russian attacks resettle in the province.

The office worked with the incoming Ukrainians to sort out details like obtaining passports, visas, and transportation.

Once they cleared customs — and were welcomed by cheering locals — the arriving Ukrainians said they were thankful to be in Newfoundland and Labrador after a long trip.

"I'm happy!" Stan, a Ukrainian traveller, exclaimed to reporters, adding he even had a job lined up at a mine in Baie Verte.

"I was dreaming for years to come to Canada, and I got a job on my first day. It's just perfect, the local government helped me so much…. It's just wonderful."

Stan said he is still worried about his family back home — particularly his father, who is currently involved in the war — but is thankful for the opportunities the future may hold in Newfoundland.

"At the moment when the war began, I was in Europe. But I ... worry about my father…. He told me 'As I'm in this war, you have your chance for your future," he said.

"We pray [to] stop it, and all Ukrainians appreciate the help from all over the world. We feel it so much."

Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne said Monday's flight is the first government-chartered plane bringing Ukrainian refugees to Canada, although thousands have already landed on Canadian soil since the Russian invasion in February

Canada Border Services Agency data reveals over 19,000 Ukrainian arrivals in Canada so far this year, as Ottawa contends with a flood of applications from those seeking asylum. The federal government has approved over 90,000 temporary visa applications since mid-March.

In St. John's, both Furey and Byrne formed part of Newfoundland and Labrador's welcoming party, along with local employers and non-profit groups like the Association for New Canadians.

The provincial immigration minister previously told CBC News that some of the people on the flight have already found work, starting their new jobs as early as Tuesday morning.