The Government of Saskatchewan announced on August 18th that it will allow all temporary residents arriving under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) with a valid work permit to be eligible for the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant (CSJG) and Re-Skill Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) funded training.

In March, the Government of Canada created a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians to live, work and study in Canada; the CUAET.

The CUAET allows Ukrainians and their immediate family members of any nationality to apply for a Canadian visitor visa, granting them temporary residency for up to three years. In addition, individuals can also apply for an open work permit that allows them to work in Canada. These changes are accessible for those arriving from overseas or Ukrainians already residing in Canada. The program is not considered part of a refugee immigration stream.

With this being done, the Sask. Party Government has shown strong initiative in bring Ukrainian to Saskatchewan. 

On Friday, August 12th, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe joined representatives from Solidaire and Open Arms, two international humanitarian organizations, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The MOU is a pledge by the three parties to partner on a total of five humanitarian flights aiming to bring more than 1,000 Ukraine citizens from Warsaw, Poland to Saskatchewan by March 31, 2023. Two out of the five flights have already landed. 

"Saskatchewan is committed to welcoming an unlimited number of displaced Ukrainians and ensuring they gain the language, skills and connections to successfully integrate into our communities and workforce," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Now more than ever, with Saskatchewan having some of the highest job growth in the country, we need workers and employer-driven training programs such as these to ensure provincial employers have a skilled workforce with the competencies required to keep building a strong Saskatchewan."

Saskatchewan employers have reportedly been experiencing job vacancies and skill shortages and they have a desire to offer employment in support of Ukrainians. Employers may consider seeking out provincial training and funding for work permit holders arriving under the federal CUAET program. The Government of Saskatchewan currently provides employer-driven training funding through the CSJG and RSTS programs.