Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne has confirmed that the first flight of Ukrainian refugees bound for Canada is scheduled to land in St. John’s on May 9.
The charter will be carrying about 175 refugees who were forced to flee to Poland to escape the ravages of the war in Ukraine.
The vast majority of those coming to this province will be women and children.
BREAKING || Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne confirms first charter flight from Poland to Canada, with 175 Ukrainian refugees, scheduled to land in St. John's on May 9th. @VOCMNEWS
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) May 3, 2022
Minister Byrne also confirmed that planning is ongoing with the Janeway to accommodate sick children who may also be on this flight or subsequent charters from Poland.
So far about 300 Ukrainians have expressed interest in coming to Newfoundland and Labrador through the help desk in Warsaw, the only province with such a presence there.
Byrne says the hard work continues to ensure good matches are in place for housing, jobs and other supports once the refugees arrive.
Ottawa is planning additional refugee charters bound for Atlantic Canada, which Byrne hopes will see even more Ukrainians make this province their new home.