Responding to Crisis: Canada’s and Alberta’s response to the Ukrainian Diaspora

The onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 triggered a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions. The conflict displaced millions of Ukrainians, marking one of the largest forced migrations in modern history. By April 2022, more than 6.2 million Ukrainians had sought refuge abroad, with 94% staying in Europe and 6% seeking safety in other countries, including Canada. As home to the top three largest Ukrainian diaspora globally, Canada was uniquely positioned to respond. Historical ties, forged through waves of Ukrainian migration starting in the late 19th century, laid the groundwork for a compassionate and structured response. 

Recognizing the urgency, the Canadian government launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program in March 2022. This initiative set a benchmark for humanitarian immigration policy, facilitating the arrival of over 221,000 Ukrainians to Canada by early 2024. By offering accessible visa options, transitional financial aid, and access to settlement-funded services, Canada not only demonstrated its commitment to displaced Ukrainians but also reinforced its role as a global leader in humanitarian assistance. 

Canada’s Response: The CUAET Program 

The CUAET program was a pivotal step in Canada’s support for displaced Ukrainians. Designed to be fast, flexible, and inclusive, CUAET provided Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members with a free visitor visa, granting temporary resident status in Canada for up to three years. This was a significant departure from standard visitor visas, which are typically limited to six months, and it included additional benefits such as free open work permits and study permits, allowing Ukrainians to fully participate in Canada’s economy and educational systems. 

What distinguished CUAET from other immigration streams, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), was its elimination of barriers like job offer requirements, application fees, and limited durations. These features made the program particularly attractive to Ukrainians in crisis, offering a safe and stable environment to rebuild their lives with dignity and autonomy. 

The program’s impact was significant. By January 2024, the Canadian government had received over 1.18 million CUAET applications, with 958,190 approved. However, only 221,231 Ukrainians arrived in Canada. This disparity reflected precautionary applications by those unsure about immediate relocation and logistical challenges for newcomers. Despite this, CUAET far outpaced other humanitarian efforts, such as Canada’s response to Afghan refugees, which saw 47,010 arrivals since 2021. 

Canada’s expedited processing, one-time financial assistance ($3,000 for adults and $1,500 for minors), and temporary housing for up to 14 days further contributed to the program’s accessibility. Combined with Canada’s strong Ukrainian diaspora and multicultural communities, these factors positioned CUAET as a lifeline for displaced Ukrainians. 

Alberta’s Role in the Response 

Alberta, home to over 369,000 people of Ukrainian heritage, has long-standing cultural and historical ties with Ukraine. These connections date back to the late 19th century when Ukrainians first settled in the prairie provinces, drawn by opportunities for farming and land ownership. These deep roots established Alberta as a natural destination for displaced Ukrainians during the current crisis. 

From the outset, Alberta played a critical role in supporting Ukrainian newcomers. By early 2024, nearly 50,000 Ukrainians had registered for health coverage in Alberta, making it the second largest destination of choice after Ontario. In addition, over 1,350 Ukrainians relocated to Alberta from other provinces between September 2022 and January 2024, reflecting the province’s strong economic opportunities, lower cost of living, and vibrant Ukrainian community infrastructure. 

The Government of Alberta (GoA) played a pivotal role in complementing federal efforts to support displaced Ukrainians, taking proactive steps to address immediate and long-term needs: 

• Expanding Housing Capacity: Recognizing the limitations of temporary federal housing measures, the GoA increased accommodation options beyond major urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton, extending support to mid-sized cities such as Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat. This strategy reduced pressure on urban centers while providing equitable support across the province. 

• Affordable Housing Access: The GoA made CUAET holders eligible for provincial affordable housing programs, providing a vital safety net for those struggling to secure long-term accommodations. While these programs primarily cater to vulnerable groups, including low-income households, additional funding in 2023 helped address the increased demand caused by Ukrainian arrivals. 

• Simplifying Driver’s License Exchange: To facilitate mobility and employment opportunities, Alberta introduced a streamlined process allowing Ukrainians to exchange their driver’s licenses for Alberta licenses without exams. This measure addressed a critical barrier, particularly in rural areas where public transportation options are limited. 

Beyond government initiatives, Alberta’s communities played a significant role in supporting Ukrainian newcomers. Local organizations and Service Provider Organizations (SPOs)* mobilized to meet emerging needs, from organizing host family programs to providing language classes and employment resources. Many organizations have launched employment or relocation assistance programs to support displaced Ukrainians find gainful employment or housing. Meanwhile, grassroots initiatives helped over people find temporary housing with host families. 

Canada’s and Alberta’s response to the Ukrainian diaspora crisis exemplifies a collaborative effort rooted in humanitarianism, adaptability, and strategic policymaking. The CUAET program demonstrated Canada’s ability to implement large-scale emergency immigration measures, providing displaced Ukrainians with a pathway to safety, employment, and settlement support. While the program formally ended on July 15, 2023, and the arrival window closed on March 31, 2024, its impact continues to shape Canada’s approach to humanitarian migration. Alberta’s strong historical ties to Ukraine and proactive provincial initiatives, reinforced its role as a key destination for Ukrainian newcomers. With free settlement services available until March 31, 2025, the focus has shifted from emergency response to long-term integration. As we assess the early successes and challenges of this effort, the lessons learned will be critical in shaping Canada’s preparedness for future humanitarian crises. The CUAET response underscores the importance of coordinated national and local action, ensuring that those displaced by conflict not only find refuge but also the opportunity to rebuild their lives. 

 The next article in this series will explore the evolution of Canada’s and Alberta’s responses since the start of displaced Ukrainian arrivals to Canada, highlighting how policies, programs, and community-driven initiatives have adapted over time. By examining key policy shifts, emerging settlement trends, and the role of Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) in addressing evolving needs, we will assess both the successes and the ongoing challenges of this transformation. As the focus moves from emergency response to long-term integration, understanding this policy evolution is essential for shaping more effective and sustainable humanitarian strategies in the future. 

*Settlement Provider Organizations (SPOs) are government-funded agencies and community-based organizations that deliver settlement and integration services to newcomers in Canada. These organizations assist immigrants and refugees with key support services, including language training, employment support, housing assistance, and community connections. SPOs play a critical role in helping newcomers navigate life in Canada by providing information, referrals, and direct assistance to facilitate their social and economic integration. Many SPOs receive funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provincial governments, ensuring that services are tailored to the needs of different communities across the country. 

If you have any questions, corrections, or additions to this article, please contact Andrew at alam@aaisa.ca or Abu at ayandiev@aaisa.ca.

Citations: 

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2022, April 19). Ukraine Refugee Situation. https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/download/92206 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2024). Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel: Key Figures. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/key-figures.html 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2024). Departmental Results Report for the Period Ending March 31, 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/departmental-results-reports/2024/report.html 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2022, March 17). Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2022/03/canada-ukraine-authorization-for-emergency-travel.html 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2024, April 1). Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel: Key figures. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/key-figures.html 

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2023, March). Rapid Evaluation of the Ukraine Response. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/reports-statistics/evaluations/rapid-evaluation-ukraine-response.html 

Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven. (2023, November). Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) Survey. https://ukrainesafehaven.ca/data/cuaet-survey/ 

Statistics Canada. (2022, April 28). A sociodemographic profile of Ukrainian-Canadians. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2022004/article/00003-eng.htm 

Government of Alberta. (2024, October 9). Information guide for Ukrainians arriving in Alberta. https://open.alberta.ca/publications/information-guide-for-ukrainians-arriving-in-alberta 

Ukrainians in Alberta. (n.d.). Ukrainian Evacuees in Alberta: Heat Map. https://ukrainiansinalberta.ca/finalresidencies/ 

Lethbridge News Now. (2023, March 31). Hotel rooms in Lethbridge to be utilized for Ukrainian refugees. https://lethbridgenewsnow.com/2023/03/31/hotel-rooms-in-lethbridge-to-be-utilized-for-ukrainian-refugees/ 

The Canadian Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Ukrainian Canadian History and Settlement. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/timeline/ukrainian-canadian-history