York Region hosting public session for Ukrainian support

Region invites Ukrainian newcomers, helpers to virtual meeting May 26 at 7 p.m.

Newmarkettoday.ca
May 25, 2022
Joseph Quigley

York Region is inviting residents who want to help Ukrainian newcomers to a public information session May 26.

COSTI Immigrant Services and York Region Local Immigration Partnership are offering the session for region residents to learn about supports for Ukrainians and how to get involved in resettlement efforts. The one-hour online session will offer presentations and a question and answer portion.

The region said the presentation is open to Ukrainian newcomers or residents and businesses who would like to help.

“If you live, work, play or gather here in York Region, we want you to be part of the process,” the region said.

York and other levels of government have offered supports as millions flee Ukraine due to Russia’s invasion.

The region provides welcome centres and newcomer services for all immigrants moving into the region. But it has created a web page, york.ca/supportukraine, specifically to gather information for all Ukrainians resettling.

“All levels of government are working hard to make sure people affected by the conflict in Ukraine have access to the services and supports they need to settle here,” the region said on its website.

Meanwhile, helping Ukrainians has become a topic of council discussion, with Newmarket Mayor John Taylor proposing to let Ukrainian passports be used as bus passes.

Newmarket residents have been fundraising for Ukraine and also sponsoring some of the refugees coming in. 

The presentation will run from 7 to 8 p.m. It will feature presentations and a 30-minute question and answer session, with the presentation portion getting posted online later.

You can register for the session online through york.ca/supportukraine. The session will be done online via Zoom. For more information about the session or to ensure accommodations, you can contact yrimmigrationpartnership@york.ca.