As the horrific Russian invasion continues to unfold in Ukraine, Chatham-Kent is strengthening its commitment to accept refugees from the war-torn country.
Chatham-Kent Council voted unanimously on Monday to send a report to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to indicate the community’s continued interest in welcoming refugees and displaced peoples.
According to CK Mayor Darrin Canniff, Chatham-Kent has already become the home of two Ukrainian refugees who have accessed resettlement services. The two Ukrainians arrived in Canada on their own accord and are currently staying with family members who live within the municipality.
The federal government has indicated to Chatham-Kent that chartered flights carrying Ukrainian refugees will begin arriving in Ontario sometime in June.
“It’s unfathomable what they’re going through in Ukraine, so certainly Chatham-Kent has opened its doors and is willing to accept more from Ukraine,” said Canniff.
Ukraine has been in the midst of a war with Russia since February, which has devastated the country and killed tens of thousands of people, including civilians.
