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Ontario launches hotline to help Ukrainian refugees find jobs

Ontario is taking steps to help Ukrainian refugees coming to the province find work.

The province said it is launching a suite of supports for families arriving under the new emergency travel authorization, including a dedicated hotline (1-888-562-4769) and email address (ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca) to connect new arrivals with job search supports and local employers in the community.

“Our government will always embrace newcomers to the province, particularly at a time when we need more people to help fill in-demand jobs and especially the brave people fleeing the unjust war in Ukraine,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As families arrive from Ukraine, we’re making sure the resources and supports are in place to help them find meaningful employment while also keeping them safe and healthy.”

Additional support

Supports available to Ukrainian newcomers arriving under the new federal travel authorization also includes:

• Access to Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage which includes health care supports and services they may need, including mental health services.
• Access to drug benefits for Ukrainians through OHIP eligibility or receiving emergency income assistance.
• Access to emergency housing through settlement service agencies and Ukrainian community organizations, including host homes and other temporary settings that Ukrainians may need until long-term arrangements are made.
• Ensuring Ukrainian elementary and secondary school students can attend publicly funded schools for free.
• Trauma-informed counselling and culturally responsive supports to students and families as well as the promotion of intercultural understanding and awareness of Ukrainian stories and history, through a $449,000 provincial investment to Canadian-Ukrainian community organizations.
• Support for persons who have been admitted to Canada on an emergency basis for humanitarian reasons studying at Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities through a new provincial $1.9 million Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship.
• Financial support of up to $28,000 through our province’s Second Career Program, for those who apply and are eligible, for basic living allowances, tuition, transportation, and other critical needs.

More than four million Ukrainians have fled their homes and communities to seek shelter in other countries. On Feb. 24, 2022, the Ontario government announced $300,000 in humanitarian aid to assist the people of Ukraine.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program selects immigration candidates who best meet Ontario’s labour market needs. Ukrainian applicants who are invited to apply based on established program criteria will benefit from expedited processing and prioritized applications.

“These announced supports will ensure that Ukrainians fleeing war and coming to Ontario will be protected and awarded opportunities to succeed,” said Taras Bahriy and Peter Schturyn of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in a joint statement. “We are pleased that the Province of Ontario is acting decisively in this dire situation and look forward to continuing working in partnership to help the vulnerable.”