REGINA - The final humanitarian flight of Ukrainians to Saskatchewan under the current Memorandum of Understanding was acknowledged at the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
Terry Dennis, MLA for Canora-Pelly, spoke of the final Boeing 787 flight from Warsaw, Poland organized by Solidaire and Open Arms, which landed at the Regina airport last Monday afternoon. In his remarks Dennis welcomed the newcomers from Ukraine and thanked the people of Saskatchewan for their generosity.
Here is the full statement of remarks by Dennis as recorded in Hansard:
Mr. Dennis: — “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week our province welcomed 247 Ukrainians as they touched down at the Regina International Airport. That brings a total number of displaced Ukrainians brought to Saskatchewan to nearly 4,000.
“Mr. Speaker, just like last time we had new Ukrainians arrive, these people will be set up with temporary supports and accommodations to assist them in settling during their transition. This final flight concludes the memorandum of understanding that the Premier signed with Solidaire and Open Arms.
“And to help these newcomers get started, we provided access to one-stop session, where they receive help applying for health cards, housing, banking, driver’s licence, etc.
“I continue to be impressed and touched by the generosity of our residents. And there are no words that could fully express the resilience shown by the Ukrainian people, both in Ukraine and abroad. Mr. Speaker, for as long as this war goes on, we’ll continue to denounce the illegal invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation. We’ll continue to welcome the displaced Ukrainians to Saskatchewan.
“And through you, Mr. Speaker, I would ask all members of the Assembly to join me in welcoming these newcomers to our province and thanking Saskatchewan people for their generosity towards the Ukrainian families. Slava Ukraine.”
Last Thursday, Premier Scott Moe spoke to reporters about the final flight of Ukrainians to Saskatchewan.
“Well, first, I would say to all of our Ukrainian friends and family members that arrived not only on this fifth flight, but on any of the flights or any other way, welcome to Saskatchewan. We most certainly are here to support you for whatever the term of your stay is, and we thank you for choosing our province to arrive in.”
There had been five humanitarian flights to Saskatchewan under the MOU -- four to Regina and one to Saskatoon. Premier Moe said he was thankful they were able to provide the five flights free of charge and spoke positively of the streamlined arrival process that took place, as well as the inclusion of industries that are hiring.
As for whether there might be another MOU to fly more Ukrainians to Saskatchewan, Moe said the government has been talking with the Solidaire organization that had been coordinating the flights.
“We don’t have an agreement as of yet,” said Moe, but told reporters that if they do, “you'd be the first to know.”
