Joel Sandaluk was interviewed on CTV News to discuss the Canadian government’s response to the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the immigration measures introduced to assist displaced Ukrainian nationals.
Canada is trying a new approach for Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion
During the interview, Joel discussed how Canada’s approach differed from its response to previous humanitarian crises, including the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis. Rather than relying primarily on the refugee resettlement process, Canada introduced special immigration measures that enabled eligible Ukrainians to obtain travel authorization to come to Canada, with the ability to apply for open work permits upon arrival.
Joel also discussed the Canadian government’s collaboration with Ukrainian Canadian community organizations to help facilitate the arrival, settlement, and integration of Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. The interview provides insight into Canada’s immigration response to one of the largest displacement crises in recent history and explains how these temporary measures were designed to provide a rapid and flexible pathway to safety.