The provincial immigration minister is asking advocates working with Ukrainian newcomers not to undermine the work of the Association for New Canadians.

Gerry Byrne was responding to recent concerns raised by a volunteer who has heard from some Ukrainians encountering problems gaining meaningful employment and permanent lodgings.

Byrne says NL has seen an influx of 3,000 Ukrainians since the Russian invasion.

Byrne admits, language barriers remain for some refugees, but he’s asking people who are helping Ukrainians to work with the ANC, and not against them.

He says the ANC has the experience and expertise in helping newcomers settle in the community. He admits that a hotel room may offer a newcomer fleeing war a sense of security, but the ANC has the ability to work with those families to get them into the community.

Byrne cites one example whereby an advocate was encouraging a family to stay in a hotel. He says it turns out that family saved up enough money for a down payment on a four-bedroom house. The deal closes September 1.