Ukraine conflict reframes economic agency’s plans

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This article was published 13/03/2022 (1019 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new program aims to provide refuge to Ukrainians forced to flee a devastating Russian invasion, while also trying to connect them with jobs in Winnipeg.

Before the current crisis, Economic Development Winnipeg had planned a mission to recruit new talent from Ukraine, due to the country’s highly skilled labour force.

Instead, as millions have left the Eastern European nation, the economic development agency has shifted its focus to supporting those seeking a safe destination, along with federal and other partners.

“We are working with cultural organizations, (including) the Manitoba arm of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, to find expedited pathways for Ukrainian refugees to find safe harbour in our province. We will now use our business networks on the ground in countries that have received displaced Ukrainians to spread the word about temporary or permanent job opportunities that exist here in Winnipeg,” Dayna Spiring, the organization’s president, told city council’s innovation and economic development committee on Monday.

The original mission planned to tap into Ukraine’s strong talent pool in information and communications technology, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and transportation distribution, all of which are also key industries in Manitoba, Spring said.

The program will now focus on helping newcomers find jobs quickly, which could also boost Winnipeg’s economic recovery from COVID-19, she said.

Economic Development Winnipeg said its efforts will extend to attracting entire businesses, who could possibly opt to temporarily or permanently move their operations from Ukraine to Winnipeg.

“Let us give (them) a safe landing space,” said Spiring.

Nick Krawetz, a volunteer with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s Manitoba branch, said he supports the effort to not only help people leave Ukraine, but to proactively attempt to connect them with jobs.

“They’re fleeing missiles right now, so the ultimate goal is to get them to safety. If they can come to Manitoba temporarily or permanently, seeking a safe refuge, we want to make sure they are supported on all fronts. We’re hoping the business community will be able to hire these people rather soon so that they can start recovering and supporting themselves and also supporting their families back in Ukraine,” said Krawetz.

Since men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine, he noted many families are being separated.

“The timing is quite dire but these people, (some of whom) are stuck in neighbouring countries, if they have an opportunity to come to Manitoba, they should be welcomed with open arms,” said Krawetz.

He said he’s hopeful a federal announcement will share details of two streams of immigration from Ukraine by Thursday: one that allows people to work or study in Canada for up to two years and another for permanent moves (which could include those who have family already living in Canada).

About 180,000 Manitobans have Ukrainian roots, a factor that could help ease the transition for those who move here, Krawetz added.

“It’s kind of a win-win for the people that are seeking refuge but also mobilizing our business community and potentially attracting some of these people to help grow our economy,” said Krawetz.

Coun. Jeff Browaty, who leads the innovation committee, said “heartbreaking” violence in Ukraine remains the top concern. At the same time, he agreed that proactively planning to help those who move to Winnipeg find jobs is a good idea.

“People are not necessarily here by choice, but they’re going to make the best of the circumstances,” said Browaty. “One of the ways we can help is matching them with good employment.”

Following Monday’s meeting, Economic Development Winnipeg told the Free Press that the effort to fast-track immigration pathways from Ukraine is still “in the early stages.”

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyane_pursaga