After a long journey, Ukrainians in Saskatchewan draw a step closer to their final destinations | Globalnews.ca

The 900 displaced Ukrainians who have come to Saskatchewan are expected to be taking the next steps to settle properly in Canada.

A three-day event, organized by the Saskatchewan government, brought together government service providers, nonprofits and banks at the University of Regina to create a “one stop shop” for Ukrainians in need of essentials.

“They were here. We are happy to help in any way we can,” said Chantelle Patrick, director of the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Response Team.

The provincial government has pledged on numerous occasions to support an unlimited number of Ukrainian refugees as the war in Ukraine continues.

“An event like this is really important because ensuring they have the support they need to successfully establish themselves in Saskatchewan is one of our key goals.”

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The Osobas hope to have a permanent home in Saskatchewan with their two children.

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According to Patrick, more than 1,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Saskatchewan by some means, including about 230 who arrived on a charter flight on Monday.

He added that the provincial government “really hopes that they will choose to stay in our province for the long term and make a home here.”

Nataliia and Ihor Osoba, Ukrainians who attended the event on Thursday, say they hope to do just that after fleeing to Poland when the war started.

“Now that they are here they know that everything will be fine. They will find a job, they will find a house and their children will find a school. They trust that a lot,” said a translator on behalf of Nataliia.

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“They would like to stay in Saskatchewan, in Regina or Saskatoon, and make their lives in Canada, and for sure they can stay because they have parents and relatives here.”

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Olha Machuha (left) talks to a friend she made during her trip to Canada from Ukraine.

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Patrick said Ukrainians in Regina this week will finally settle down, at least temporarily, in Saskatchewan communities, often with family and friends.

Some will end up beyond the Saskatchewan border.

Olha Machuha is headed to Winnipeg to stay with a family friend after spending time in Poland and Germany.

“I was very afraid to go back,” he said of his decision to leave his hometown.

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“From time to time there was shelling in Lviv. There wasn’t as much in other areas, but you never know, will that bombshell in the week drop where you’re staying?

He said that he decided to come to Canada on the charter flight because he speaks English. She hopes to find a job in Winnipeg similar to the one she was doing in Lviv, in the fashion industry.

“I worked in a luxury clothing boutique, with the website with images and marketing,” explained Machuha, saying that she now has almost everything she needs to start working.

“I love my work with all my heart, because I love the Ukrainian language and fashion. But for now I think I’ll find something different.”

She added that the new friends she made during her trip to Canada are helping her feel comfortable as she navigates her new life in Canada, but that her long-term plan is to return home.

“We are supporting each other. We are laughing together. We are taking care of each other and that helps a lot,” she explained.

“I like to think about staying in Canada because everything seems so perfect. But I love Ukraine too much. I love my hometown. I love my family.”

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Liuba Krupina, Regina Settlement Coordinator of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, speaks to Global News.

Connor O’Donovan / Global News

Liuba Krupina, Ukrainian Canadian Congress settlement coordinator in Regina, said some of those who have arrived in Regina have no family or friends here.

“This for me is the sign that I will be the main contact with them, to guide and support them until they settle down with a job and a place to stay,” he said.

He added that Ukrainians continue to arrive in the province every day and that he hopes another charter flight can be organized to help more displaced people find a home in the Prairies.

“I am not working only with people who have arrived here. I have clients in Ukraine and Europe. Every day they come,” she said.

“And hopefully the Saskatchewan government will organize another charter flight.”

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Krupina said more organizations offered to lend their support at the event than the University actually had room for, calling their efforts “incredible.”

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