The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is encouraging municipalities, and their residents, to help local groups prepare for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees fleeing from the conflict with Russia.

SUMA encourages municipalities to ensure that local food banks have the resources they need, as well as work with local housing authorities and settlement agencies to make sure those arriving from Ukraine, or other regions of the world, have access to affordable housing and integration supports.

People looking to help can also register with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Saskatchewan, which has launched a registration process for individuals, businesses and organizations.

“We know they’re looking for temporary accommodation, they may need driver’s licenses, get children enrolled in education or whether they need childcare, that’s what our municipalities can help with.” added SUMA President Randy Goulden.

A humanitarian flight organized by the provincial government is scheduled to arrive in Regina from Warsaw, Poland on July 4, carrying 230 Ukrainians – mostly women, children and the elderly, according to SUMA. A media release from SUMA says an additional 800 Ukrainians have already arrived in Saskatchewan through domestic travel.

Randy Goulden was on a Zoom meeting yesterday (Mon) with government officials regarding the flight’s arrival, but details on where the 230 refugees would be relocated were limited as the government continues to gather more information.

“They’re still awaiting to receive, I guess, the membership of the immigrants coming in, so until that’s gathered they don’t really know where they will be going. They know that some have family and friends that they will be in contact with.” said Goulden.