Sask. calls for visa process to be sped up amid backlog
Hundreds of Ukrainian immigrants have arrived in Saskatchewan over the last several months. For many of the new arrivals, emigrating from their home country was a decision that was quickly made.
Valentyn Stoliarchuk never imagined he would be living in Canada. On Feb. 24, he met a tourist from Regina by chance in Kyiv. Hours later, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Stolairchuk’s next decision was a quick one.
“I called him and said, ‘Okay, I need help. I would like to go to Canada. What would you recommend?’” he recalled.
Stoliarchuk left for Canada shortly afterward. His friend, Maria Chaikovska, fled to Poland with her family until Stoliarchuk invited her to join him in Canada.
“Wow Canada. No way. I never thought about it,” Chaikovska said, remembering the invitation.
“After a week I just thought, ‘Okay in Ukraine nobody knows when it should be finished and I need to find a job and I have studying. I have to do something.’”
The pair arrived in the first wave when emergency visas were quick to obtain. Now, about 190,000 visa applications are backed up in the Canadian immigration system.
According to Premier Scott Moe, the federal government needs to do better.
“I’ll ask again for the federal government to look at the expediency at which we are actually granting those visas," he said.
Saskatchewan has accepted about 1500 displaced Ukrainians so far. A study by the University of Calgary has concluded that the Visa process is taking too long and that Canada hasn’t accepted its fair share of the millions who have fled Ukraine.
Ottawa says progress has been made.
“Immigration can take a bit of time,” said Karina Gould, minister responsible for Service Canada.
“But I would say that you know from February to today we have seen tens of thousands of people arrive.”
The federal government has sponsored three flights bringing Ukrainians to Canada. Saskatchewan has committed to five.
Premier Moe has claimed Saskatchewan alone will soon outpace the federal government‘s effort at making flights available.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.