Winnipeg’s mayor says he wants Ukrainians fleeing conflict to know that the city will welcome them with open arms.
Brian Bowman said Thursday that he’s written to counterparts at both the provincial and federal levels to let them know the Manitoba capital will take in any refugees trying to come to Canada.
“Throughout our history as a community, we’ve welcomed those who are escaping conflict, who do want to call Canada home,” Bowman said.
“We want to make sure Winnipeg’s doors are wide open for those who are fleeing war and conflict around the world.
“Canadian cities are going to be primarily where those who come from Ukraine to Canada are going to want to reside, and we want to make sure that Winnipeg is amongst the options for those that do look to move to Canada.”
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Bowman says the city’s welcome and inclusion policies will help refugees access necessary services and help them navigate the city when they arrive.
The mayor’s comments come after federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced expedited temporary visas for emergency travel — giving Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country a safe haven in Canada.
Bowman’s office also announced it’s sending $10,000 in support to Winnipeg’s sister city of Lviv, Ukraine.
The funds, which come from the mayor’s office budget, are intended to go directly to people temporarily displaced in Lviv.
The sister city relationship between Winnipeg and Lviv was established almost 50 years ago.
