OTAWA – The federal government has announced additional $ 100 million in humanitarian assistance to address the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
Prime Minister Justin Trinto made the announcement on Saturday during a social media fundraiser.
“Whether it is food, water, shelter or medical assistance – we will continue to have your back and provide the help you need right now,” Trinto said in a statement.  “We are defending Ukraine.”
Canada announced on Saturday that it had provided $ 245 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine.  Of that, $ 145 million has been donated to United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement and non-governmental organizations.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser told reporters Saturday that Canada has already approved more than 30,000 applications under the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authorization Program.
Echoing an announcement made in March, Fraser said Canada was exempting more Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion by providing biometrics before coming to Canada.
He said Canada would not require biometrics from people under the age of 18, over the age of 60 and from people with previous Canadian visas who do not have immigration problems.
Previously, in these cases, it was left to the discretion of the decision maker whether to collect biometric data – fingerprints and photography.
Fraser said the government was making the move to “reduce the pressure on biometric data collection”.
He said his department is also working to facilitate travel for those who may not have travel documents.
“This means that for family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently residing in Ukraine who do not have valid travel documents, the IRCC may issue travel documents for a trip on an excellent basis to support their trip to Canada.” said Fraser.
He said his department recently announced that it was expanding settlement support to provide access to basic services to settle in new communities, such as language education, information on living in Canada, information on how to enroll children in school and help with employment.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said his department was working with Canadian airlines to charter flights, but details had not been finalized.  Many of the affected Ukrainians are spread over a wide area and some are not yet ready to leave.
“No one should be forced to leave their homes and we are committed to helping Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their country because of this illegal war,” Alghabra said.
“As Canadians we will do what we do best.  “We will defend the Ukrainians and warmly welcome them as they adapt to the new life here in their new country.”
Also, Ukrainians arriving in Canada will be eligible for two weeks of temporary hotel accommodation and up to six weeks of income support.
Fraser said the income support will be $ 500 a week.  He said many of the people arriving have family or other connections in Canada, so it is unclear how many will need temporary accommodation.
“All of this is happening very quickly and more details will be available in the coming days and weeks as these new measures take effect,” Fraser said.  “I am convinced, however, that the actions we are taking today demonstrate our continued and resolute support for the people of Ukraine.”
This Canadian Press report was first published on April 9, 2022.