‘What is going to happen?’ Ukrainians in B.C. concerned over federal funding ending

Home is a word that evokes the feeling of security and comfort, but for Ukrainians in BC who seek the destruction full, it causes the acute pain.

“It is carried out in so many different ways through various war meminimes that are happening, through missile attacks, drone attacks,” Ukrainian Marko Zolotarov, who now lives in BC, told Global News.

Since 2022, more than one million Ukrainians have fled their country and come to Canada, with more than 200,000 in B.C.

However, they are facing more turmoil because they have learned that funding is coming to an end.

“There is a confusion and this fear of what will happen to us,” Zolotarov said.

A federal grant that provides crucial programs and benefits to refugees will end on March 31.

This means programs that help Ukrainians to help them learn English or train them for jobs will now be in Limbo.

“They have banned 100s if not 1,000s of Ukrainians who will receive you, but they will furnish,” says Sarosh Rizvi, executive director of AmSSA, AFFILIATIONS of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC

“There is currently not a great plan in place, where you lose those services.”

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Zolotarov said that many Ukrainians still do not have enough points to apply to be permanent residents.

“I think that’s a very important gap,” he said.

Currently, there are more questions than answers about how to fill this gap.

“Many people are currently receiving services, many people are currently receiving services and a ticking clock.” Rizvi said.

Ukrainians, watching the heartbeat of their old home, wonder if they will ever be able to call customers with their new home.

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