As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to force people to flee, Canada has received more than 91,000 applications from Ukrainians to relocate to Canada, and as many as one fifth of those are likely to end up in B.C.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to force people to flee, Canada has received more than 91,000 applications from Ukrainians to relocate to Canada, and as many as one fifth of those are likely to end up in B.C.

B.C. has created a dedicated “Welcoming Ukraine” website to coordinate help for arriving war refugees, and also for B.C. residents who want to volunteer or donate to the effort. The website is available in English, Ukrainian and Russian languages, like the Service B.C. phone line that is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at 1-800-663-7867.

Ukrainians using the website can connect to free services to find housing, sign up for health-care coverage, look for a job, sign children up for school and learn about other community services, among other supports.   In addition to supporting displaced Ukrainians, the website can be used by British Columbians who want to offer support to Ukrainians fleeing violence, including offering housing, employment opportunities or donations.