Support for Ukrainians fleeing conflict in Huron County

Canada announced a series of measures in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

As Canada’s immigration response evolves quickly, many pathways have opened for Ukrainians to come to Canada through expedited processes. None of the measures announced thus far align with Canada’s formal refugee resettlement programs.

This document is a resource to help Huron County residents support the arrival of Ukrainians. This is up to date as of May 18, 2023

Welcoming newcomers from Ukraine to Huron County

Ukrainians have arrived in Huron County and we expect to welcome more. We all have a role in welcoming them and helping them get situated in our community.

The Huron County Immigration Partnership is facilitating and assisting appropriate community service responses with newcomer service organizations, community members, organizations and business partners. We are working to get information on government measures and what this means for settlement supports (language training, orientation services), income supports, childcare supports, etc..

Sign up to volunteer to support a Ukrainian family as they settle in Huron County.

If you have questions about the volunteer process, please contact the:

Huron County Immigration Partnership
home@huroncounty.ca
(519) 524-8394 ext. 6

Canada’s immigration response

As part of the Government of Canada’s response, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking measures to make it easier and faster for Ukrainians and people residing in Ukraine to return to Canada and supporting by:

  • Providing them with the ability to work and study via the 3-year Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa.  CUAET allows Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality to stay in Canada as temporary residents
  • Providing one-time financial assistance of $3,000 per adult, $1,500 per child to those who have already arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). The assistance is a one-time, non-taxable benefit and requires the recipient to have a Canadian bank account. The financial assistance is intended to help new arrivals with the CUAET visa take care of basic needs while you get settled in Canada. Learn how to apply
  • Connecting employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment with Ukrainians seeking work via the Job Bank. Employers can register their offers on the Job Bank website
  • Prioritizing applications for new and replacement travel documents for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members.
  • Allowing Ukrainian nationals currently in Canada on a temporary basis to apply to extend their status as a visitor, student or worker
  • Issuing open work permits to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot go home, so they can stay longer if they wish
  • Launching a package of new measures including emergency travel authorizations, temporary residence permits, access to open work permits and a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence

For current information on immigration measures for arriving from Ukraine, visit this Government of Canada website.

Settlement support to Ukrainians and newcomers arriving in Huron County

Connect people arriving from Ukraine and other countries to government-funded immigrant services. Government-supported settlement workers from the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario provide free one-on-one assistance to newcomers are they settle in Canada. Settlement workers can assist newcomers by:

  • Completing forms, applications and other documents
  • Navigating local systems such as health care and public school, recreation services, education, taxes and more
  • Finding programs and services within the community
  • Providing referrals to programs and services including counselling, employment services, language assessments, children and youth services, legal issues and refugee other specialized services
  • Communicating with employers, landlords, social and government services, legal services and more
  • Learning about Canadian life and culture
  • Assisting and referrals for licensing and accreditation

Contact the YMCA Southwestern of Ontario
Settlement worker for Huron County: Firas Sefian
Email: firas.sefian@swo.ymca.ca
Phone: 226-973-7572
If you are located outside of Huron County and would like to get connected with a settlement worker, email: home@huroncounty.ca

Other ways to support to Ukrainians and newcomers arriving in Huron County

Community members and organizations can support Ukrainians, as well as other newcomers who are arriving in Huron County in the following ways:

  1. Sign up to volunteer to support Ukrainians and other newcomers to Canada by filling out this survey. Volunteers will be contacted as needs are determined.
  2. Connect people to English language classes and employment services at the Centre for Employment and Learning. Offices are situated in Exeter, Goderich, Clinton, Seaforth and Wingham.
  3. Be a welcoming and inclusive community member. Arriving in a new community having fled war and crisis can be extremely stressful. Being friendly and welcoming goes a long way to making our newest residents feel good as they get to know their new community, make friends and start their new life. Get tips on welcoming actions
  4. Learn about Ukrainian culture by checking out books or films from the Huron County Library. There are language learning tools too if you are inclined to learn some Ukrainian phrases. Signs welcoming newcomers in English and Ukrainian are also available at Huron County Library branches.
  5. Learn about and support local initiatives by signing up for the Immigration Partnership newsletter.

Helpful resources for Ukrainians

Your First Week in Canada

Set up an appointment with an immigrant-serving organization

For settlement services in Huron County, contact:
The YMCA Southwestern of Ontario
The settlement worker for Huron County:
Firas Sefian
Email: firas.sefian@swo.ymca.ca
Phone: 226-973-7572

Apply for a Social Insurance Number

Apply in-person:
Service Canada Centre
52 East Street, Goderich, ON
In-person appointments can also be scheduled,
but are not required, at:

Apply online:
SIN Online Application
(Proof of address is required when you apply
online)
For more information, visit here

Apply for a government health insurance card

People from Ukraine on the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa are eligible for health care coverage in Ontario at no cost to the newcomer.
Sign up for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in person at:
Service Ontario
38 North Street, Goderich, ON
(Services for new health cards only available at Goderich office)
More information about OHIP.

Open a bank account

You will need to open a Canadian bank account to be able to be paid for work in Canada, and/or apply for financial assistance.
To open a bank account, you will need both of the following:

  • Your temporary resident status document [copy of your temporary resident permit]
  • Your passport

There are many different banks in Canada. If you want to save money, look for one that offers chequing and savings accounts for free.
Learn more about how to open a bank account

Enroll your child(ren) in school

Children aged 6 to 18 are required to attend school in Ontario. Many children can begin full day kindergarten programs beginning at age 4. You can enroll your child(ren) in the nearest school with the Avon Maitland District School Board.

People who practice the Catholic faith can enroll their child(ren) with the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board.

Apply for financial support

The Canadian government provides one-time financial assistance of $3,000 per adult, $1,500 per child to those who have arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) visa.
The assistance is a one-time, non-taxable benefit and requires the recipient to have a Canadian bank account.
Apply here.

Provide your address

Provide Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada with your Canadian address. Your current address is required to help make sure important documents are not delayed or lost and to ensure your application is not refused or abandoned. Fill out the address change form here.

Your First Month in Canada

Get your Ontario Driver’s license

When you move to Ontario, you can use a valid license from another country for 60 days. After 60 days, you must switch to an Ontario driver’s license. To switch your license, you must complete testing required by Ontario’s Licensing System. You can review the requirements here.

Tests can be completed at:
Huron County DriveTest Centre
154 Beech St,
Clinton, ON
1-888-570-6110

Learn or improve your English

You can enroll in adult English As a Second Language classes without any cost, if you are on the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa.

Sign up at the Centre for Employment & Learning.

Get ready to work

Community agencies provide employment services for newcomers to Ontario at no cost.

The Centre for Employment and Learning sites previously mentioned, offer:

  • Support to update your resume and cover letter for the Canadian job market
  • Interviewing techniques
  • Job search strategies and more

The Government of Canada has created a page to assist Ukrainian nationals looking for employment and employers who wish to hire them.
For more information visit here.

Learn about your rights at work, and what to expect in an Ontario workplace by visiting this website for newcomers.

Get your credentials accredited (if required)

Certain jobs require your skills and training to be assessed. Regulated jobs, including work in the trades, are controlled by provincial or, sometimes, federal laws. They are governed by a regulatory body or apprenticeship authority.

To learn more visit here.

Find childcare (if required)

In Huron County, there are different types of child care options to meet the needs of parents, families, and children. These include:

  • Huron EarlyON
  • Licensed Centre-Based Child Care
  • Licensed Home Child Care Agencies
  • Unlicensed Child Care
  • Nursery Schools
  • Before and After School Programs

To learn more, visit here.

Book a Immigration Medical Exam

All immigration applicants who enter Canada through the CUAET must take a medical exam as part of Canada’s immigration process.
This exam must be performed by a physician who has been approved by the government to do these medical exams.

The following service providers have been identified:

McDonagh Immigration Medical Services
Wharncliffe Health Centre
Suite 024-279 Wharncliffe Rd, North London, ON
sites.google.com/view/mcdonagh-immigration-medicals
Email: mcdonaghimmigrationservices@gmail.com

Immigration Medical Examiners
751 Victoria Street S, Suite B 106,
Kitchener, Ontario
imemed.ca
Phone: 519-748-8510

Dr. Edgard A. Arcia Bravo MPC
750 Baseline Road East, Suite #104,
London, ON
Phone: 519-850-3335

Panel Doctors Kitchener-Waterloo
430 The Boardwalk, Suite 308,
Waterloo, Ontario
paneldoctors.ca
E-mail: info@paneldoctors.ca
Phone: 519-744-5932

Transportation and Housing

Housing

The best way to find housing and apartments for rent is to use local online forums such as Facebook and Kijiji. Many communities throughout Huron County their own Facebook groups where people post available housing.

Use common search terms such as “Goderich and Area Homes For Rent” or “Real Estate Rentals – Huron and Perth County.” Once you have joined the group, you will be able to see available rentals or post an ad describing what type of housing you are in search of. Additionally, the website Trovit has rental advertisements available.

Public Transportation

Buses

A bus is available in some communities within Huron County through Huron Shores Area Transit. For up-to-date schedules and fares, visit their website to plan your next trip.

Grand Bend to Goderich with stops along the way.
Huron Shores Area Transit Route 3

London to Grand Bend via Exeter
Huron Shores Area Transit Route 2

Taxis

Goderich:
Goderich Taxi – 519-524-6594
Anytime Taxi – 519-524-8888

Exeter:
Star Taxi – 519-235-2255
Exeter Taxi – 519-235-1013

Clinton:
Clinton Taxi – 519-482-7433

Wingham:
TJ’S Taxi – 519-531-0910
Start Taxi – 519-357-1234

Seaforth:
Blue Heron Taxi – 519-949-7433

Financial Support and Food

Federal Funding Programs

  • Ukraine Immigration Measures: Financial Assistance $3,000 per adult, $1,500 per child is available as a one-time, non-taxable benefit and requires the recipient to have a Canadian bank account. Learn how to apply here.

Provincial Funding Programs

  • Emergency Assistance: $733 is available for temporary financial support through emergency assistance. Visit here.

Municipal Funding Programs

  • Discretionary Benefits: Covers short-term emergency assistance if you are in a crisis or emergency situation. Call 519-482-8505 or 1-888-371-5718 or visit here.
  • Pathways to Self-Sufficiency: Up to $750 per calendar year for rent, heat or housing or up to $500 per calendar year for health-related items. Call 519-482-8505 or 1-888-371-5718 or visit here.
  • Childcare fee to Subsidy Program: Supports eligible families with the cost of child care expenses. Call 519-482-8505 or 1-888-371-5718. The application is available here.

Local Not-for-profit Funding

Food Banks and Community Meals

Several food banks, community meals and resources are available as you resettle and for emergency use. Each organization offers different support including food, hot meals, clothing, household supplies and school supplies.

Brussels

Clinton and Area

Exeter and Area

Goderich & Area          

Seaforth

  • Seaforth and District Food Bank

Wingham

Zurich

Complete list of Food Bank services, including addresses

Healthcare Support

Emergency Services

Call 911 if you are in an emergency, if you require an ambulance or police assistance.

Huron County Hospitals

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH)

The Huron Perth Public Health offers information regarding dental health, mental health, immunizations and vaccinations, sexual health, pregnancy and prenatal care, baby and toddler health, food safety, and healthy eating among other services.

Additionally, find a wide selection of classes and clinics, as well as access to various community partners and resources.

Huron Perth Public Health
1-888-221-2133
HPPH.ca

Helplines

Telehealth Ontario
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service to get health advice or general health information.

A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The nurse will help you decide whether to care for yourself, make an appointment with your doctor, go to a clinic, contact a community service or visit a hospital emergency room. Interpreters are available.
Call 1-866-797-0000

Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team
If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health and/or addictions support, please call the Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team at
1-888-829-7484

Financial Support for Medical Assistance

Goderich Lions are able to assist newcomers with funding for emergency situations or unforeseen events.

 

Recreation

Huron County Library

The Huron County Library has branches in 12 communities: Bayfield, Blyth, Brussels, Clinton, Exeter, Goderich, Hensall, Howick, Kirkton, Seaforth, Wingham and Zurich. Each library branch offers an outstanding selection of resources, services and programs, along with free wifi, public access computers, books and materials to borrow, events, classes and clubs.

Arts and Culture

Huron County is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene including theatres, museums, event spaces and galleries.

Indoor Recreation

There is a variety of indoor recreation activities throughout our area. From bowling to an indoor skate park, a golf simulator or indoor rock climbing, there’s many ways to spend time with the people you love.

Outdoor adventure

There are many outdoor activities you can do in Huron County. Try activities like hiking, cycling or fishing or something more adventurous such as snowshoeing, parasailing or exploring water sports along Lake Huron.

Sports

Communities throughout Huron County have sports clubs and facilities that you can enjoy. Join hockey leagues, figure skating clubs, curling groups, soccer clubs, baseball leagues, swimming groups, karate clubs, pickle ball leagues, volleyball, dance, yoga, fitness centres, equestrian sports and more.

For an up-to-date list of local sports groups in
your community, visit

 

Ontario’s response

Information on immigration and settlement supports offered by the Province of Ontario is available on this website.

How Can We Help?

Huron County Immigration Partnership is always excited to support newcomers to Huron County. Let us know how we can help!

Find Us

57 Napier Street,
Goderich, ON
N7A 1W2
Canada

Phone

+1 (519) 524-8394 ext.6