Manitoba Ukraine Crisis Response

February 9, 2023

Manitoba Ukraine Crisis Response

Click on a highlighted link for additional information in Manitoba

Arriving in a new place can be overwhelming. 211 Manitoba is here to help. Ukrainian newcomers and those who are supporting them are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to find assistance in navigating the many resources and supports available to newcomers. 211 is available 24/7 in 150 different languages including Russian and Ukrainian. We encourage all people to call for the best, most personalized assistance in accessing resources and information in Manitoba. Trained and professional Service Navigators are standing by ready to help.

Additionally, we have included here key information for newly arriving members of the Ukrainian community.

Upon Your Arrival

A central Reception Centre for Ukrainians arriving in Manitoba is now open in Winnipeg at 1715 Wellington Ave. The regular hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 am – 5 pm.  The centre provides

• initial intake services to determine individual and family needs;
• temporary accommodations and meals to individuals who have no connection to individuals in Manitoba;
• access to co-ordinated health-care services through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and Manitoba Health; and
• registration, brief orientation and referral services through Manitoba Start to facilitate awareness of settlement supports that link people to language training, the workforce and longer-term settlement needs.
• assisting with questions regarding driver licensing and registration and a vision test is administered and identification will be verified in order for customers to be able to access licensing and registration services at various other MPI and broker locations. 

Individuals are able to make online appointments to access the Reception Centre and settlement services. To book an appointment, visit https://manitobagovernment.as.me/ or scan the QR code. If you require assistance, dial 2-1-1 or visit the Reception Centre at 1715 Wellington Avenue.  

A Welcome Package for Ukrainian Arrivals is available for Ukrainians in English and Ukrainian and provides orientation to centralized services for new arrivals, steps to settle guidelines, and resources for living in the community. For a comprehensive guide on programs and services available to Ukrainians in Manitoba, visit Manitoba for Ukraine.

Additionally, individuals can call the Ukrainian Congress of Manitoba at 204-942-9348, who can assist in providing medical and dental referrals, general information, informal translation, and emotional support.

Child Care

Child care is available for free for Ukrainian newcomers for the first 6 months that they arrive, and at a subsidized rate after that point.  To access the Child Care Subsidy Program for Ukrainian Nationals with Temporary Residency in Manitoba, applicants must phone or e-mail the subsidy office at cdcsubsidy@gov.mb.ca or 204-945-8195.

To find a suitable childcare facility visit Manitoba Child Care Search.

Employment

We know that finding employment can be stressful! Luckily there are programs and opportunities to help you get registered for work and to find the right job, such as:

• Prepare to Work in Canada
• Employment in Canada
• Jobs for Ukraine lists employment opportunities for Ukrainians from the Canadian Job Bank
• Manitoba Start Job postings
• Ukrainian Talent Initiative is an initiative for employers and job seekers from the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce

Financial Assistance

Both the Canadian Government and the Manitoba Government have offered temporary financial support for Ukrainian newcomers. There are two important programs:

• Canada Ukraine Income Transitional Assistance Initiative (CUTAI). You can expect to receive $3000 for adults 18 years and older, and $1500 for each child 17 and younger.
• Employment and Income Assistance (formerly Temporary Assistance Program (TAP)), of the government of Manitoba provides short term financial assistance to go towards the cost of rent, basic needs, and basic essential dental, optical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Newly arrived individuals are reminded that they are also eligible for various other benefits that all people in Canada are entitled to.  These include the following:

Review each one to determine your eligibility. 

• Canada Child Benefit – income based monthly benefit per child; must be in Canada 18 months or longer to be eligible 
• Canada Housing Benefit – one time $500 payment for renters in the private market 
• Canada Manitoba Housing Benefit – up to $250 per month for renters in the private market 
• Dental Benefit – receive up to $650 for your child’s dental costs; must be receiving Canada Child Benefit  
• GST credit – quarterly payments from the federal government for families with low to medium income. 
• Prenatal Benefit – pregnant and living in Manitoba, receive up to $81.41 per month with an income of $32,000 or less 

Health

Ukrainians traveling to Manitoba under the federal program, Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), are eligible for health care coverage as of the date they arrive in Manitoba. To learn more about how to register for a health card please click here. Health benefits registration form is here. 

To change your address on your health card, visit either website: 

• eNotice of Change | Health and Seniors Care | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca) 
• http://www.manitobaaddresschange.ca/participating-organizations.html 

Manitoba. Health has compiled a list of the most common health needs people need and can access in Manitoba. From finding a family doctor to prenatal care, language services, vaccinations and driver fitness exams, this 4-page resource can help newcomers better navigate the health system.  Ukrainian newcomers can visit an online slide show to learn about the health system in Manitoba.

Medical exam

Ukrainians who need a medical exam can access designated panel physicians who will complete the exam. There is no cost for the documents or the exam. Individuals must bring the following documents to their appointment:

• Ukrainian ID
• CUAET visa
• Manitoba health card or the nine-digit health number provided by Manitoba Health

For a list of for a list of physicians who can undertake an examination in Manitoba click here for a printable list.

If you’re looking for a list of panel physicians in your country of origin click here and select your country of origin.

Medical exam reimbursement

If you are Ukrainian, have a CUAET visa, and previously paid for a medical exam you are eligible to receive a refund. For more information, please contact the Claims Unit Patient Inquiry General Line by phone at 204-786-7367 or by email at Claims@gov.mb.ca. More information on this topic can be found at Manitoba4Ukraine.

Housing

The Government of Manitoba is arranging temporary accommodations with meals for Ukrainians who do not have housing upon arrival to Manitoba. Meals are provided. Go to the Welcome Desk at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport to receive direction to available temporary accommodations. Eligible individual must be a CUAET holder.

Applicants are expected to find permanent accommodations within 30 days.

New Journey Housing (NJH) provides resources to train, assist and support newcomers to Canada and those who support them. This includes helping people through the process of attaining and retaining decent affordable housing in Manitoba. Click here to contact NJH.

Settlement

A settlement network in Manitoba is ready to help provide support to newcomers as they settle into their new communities. Here are some online resources:

• A Settlement and Orientation workbook available in English and Ukrainian by Manitoba Start

To learn more about these programs and the many others in Manitoba that can assist individuals in need please call 2-1-1.