FILE PHOTO - A demonstration in support of Ukraine was held near the Cherry Lane Mall in Penticton on March 5, 2022.
(DAN WALTON / iNFOnews.ca)
April 02, 2022 - 10:00 AM
The B.C. government has set up a telephone line to support Ukrainians fleeing the war and coming to Canada.
The Service B.C. phone line, 1-800-663-7867, will be available with translation services in Ukrainian, Russian and 140 other languages from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, according to a Ministry of Municipal Affairs media release.
The phone line will offer help individuals and families arriving from Ukraine find and access the services they need, such as employment, healthcare, housing and education. The operators will also help B.C. residents co-ordinate volunteer efforts or donations to help displaced Ukrainians.
Most Ukrainians coming to B.C. are expected to arrive through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, the ministry said.
Under the new federal program, Ukrainians and their family members will be allowed to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years and will be allowed to apply for a three-year open work permit.
Additional supports will also be announced in the coming weeks, the ministry said.
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