Saskatchewan prepared to accept large number of Ukrainian refugees

Jeremy Harrison said Saskatchewan has a long history of Ukrainian immigration and the province is an ideal location for incoming refugees fleeing the conflict in their country.

The Saskatchewan government is asking its federal counterpart to consider sending a larger number of refugees from Ukraine to Saskatchewan.

Jeremy Harrison, the province’s immigration minister, said the province has a long history of Ukrainian immigration and Saskatchewan would be an ideal location for incoming refugees.

He also suggested taking advantage of the immigrant nominee program as a way of bringing more people to the province.

“We are not doing this exclusively because there is a labour shortage, we are doing this because we believe we are in a unique situation for there to be successful outcomes for refugees who are resettled regardless of skills or education,” Harrison said.

Immigration critic Aleana Young said while the NDP believes the province should take in as many people who want to come to Saskatchewan as possible, they want to ensure sufficient supports are in place.

“We’ve seen in the past that support, especially for those who have been fleeing war and conflict, has not always matched the need, whether it is language, support or care needed for students potentially experiencing trauma,” she said.

“I think of the hundreds of families who moved to Saskatchewan following the war in Syria. So ensuring that newcomers are supported and welcomed, of which I have no doubt, will be critical.”

Premier Scott Moe said a number has not been attached to what his government will invest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the conflict and coming to Saskatchewan.