Saskatchewan Delegation Heading To Germany To Support Displaced Ukrainians

Released on April 4, 2022

Delegation To Meet With Ukrainians Who Have Fled, Identify Opportunities To Expedite Immigration Pathways To Canada

Today, following a visit to a Ukrainian refugee centre in Germany last week, Premier Scott Moe has requested the Legislative Secretary Responsible for Saskatchewan Ukraine Relations Terry Dennis, to lead a small delegation to Germany.  Working with the Embassy of Canada in Berlin, the delegation will meet with displaced Ukrainians and refugee-serving organizations to determine additional supports Saskatchewan can provide to those fleeing from the horrors of the Russian war in Ukraine.

Last week, Premier Moe was joined by His Excellency Stephane Dion, the Ambassador of Canada to Germany at the refugee centre in Kassel, whose team will support Saskatchewan's incoming delegation.  As well as meeting with refugees and refugee-serving organizations, the delegation will meet with local government officials and other non-governmental organizations supporting displaced Ukrainians in Germany next week.

"During the vicious attacks by Russia in Ukraine, we've been working hard to listen and learn from the brutal experience of those having to flee Ukraine," Dennis said. "Our small delegation will travel to Germany at the end of the week so we can most effectively identify the additional supports Saskatchewan can provide as Ukraine continues its heroic fight for its sovereignty."  

The Legislative Secretary will be joined by Iryna Matsiuk, member of the Saskatchewan Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee (SURAC) and Co-Chair of the Ukrainian Canada Congress. Matsiuk emigrated to Canada from Ukraine in 2011. 

"Throughout the war I've been working closely with friends and family in Ukraine around the clock to try and help provide the necessary supports to ensure displaced Ukrainians have the resources they need during this horrific time," Matsiuk said.  "Being on the ground to meet with Ukrainians will ensure we understand their needs and can continue to help in every way possible." 

Premier Moe has been in contact with the Government of Canada to make available resources, including immigration officers from the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), to help process applications through the newly launched Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program, and accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada.

The Premier has also made the Saskatchewan public service available to assist the Government of Canada in any way that can benefit and expedite the immigration pathways for Ukrainians who choose to seek residence in Canada, whether on a temporary basis or permanently.

The delegation will be in Berlin from April 10 to April 13.

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