Ukrainians who arrived in Halifax on Thursday night are grateful for the opportunity to come to Canada.
“Thank you so much to all Canadians. Especially to the new Scots,” Mariia Dibrova said on Friday.
Dozens of people greeted the government-leased plane carrying 319 Ukrainians fleeing the war Thursday night at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Each passenger received a Nova Scotia tartan scarf and a warm welcome.
“So grateful and so wordless for that. All the people were very welcoming with us and very kind,” Dibrova said.
“They are ready to give you a scarf, a water, whatever you need. It was awesome, “said Yuliia Mynkh.” It’s really awesome. “
Of the 319 people who landed in Halifax on Thursday night, about 200 will remain in Nova Scotia.
The Nova Scotia Immigrant Services Association (ISANS) says it is evaluating what is needed.
“What is your background, your studies, your language skills, your work background, your family’s needs because we understand that we’re not just installing one person, but often several people in a family,” said Jennifer Watts, CEO ‘ISANS.
The next few days involve guidance and setup with everything from bank accounts to social security numbers.
“Start thinking about your housing options and then understand the opportunities available in terms of language programs, but also connect with employment specialists,” Watts said.
Although many sailors have opened their homes, the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress (UCC) is coordinating its own family accommodation effort.
Its goal is to help people in need of housing to support families after 14 days of housing provided by the federal government.
“Our program will require police checks. Therefore, if you are considering hosting, I would like you to consider applying for a police check,” said Lyubov Zhyznomirska, vice-president of the UCC NS branch.
Zhyznomirska was also celebrating on Friday after a newcomer was hired at a restaurant.
“The owner of a restaurant has just hired someone who has been here for two weeks and the woman has come from Luhansk, so it’s very special,” she said.