Funding Cuts for UCC-SPC: Challenges for Ukrainian Refugees in Saskatchewan
The government of Saskatchewan has announced cuts to the funding for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Saskatchewan Provincial Council (UCC-SPC), which provides services to Ukrainian displaced persons.
The cuts, effective May 1, were included in the budget presented earlier this year, according to CBS.
Canada reduces support for Ukrainians: layoffs at UCC-SPC
This funding adjustment is part of steps to return to the normal funding level.
At the onset of the full-scale invasion by Russia, the provincial budget was increased to accommodate the influx of Ukrainians.
“This cut reflects a recognition that fewer people are using these services. However, they are still available. Ukrainian refugees can access all settlement services provided to other groups,” said Saskatchewan Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jim Reiter.
Funding for UCC-SPC has been reduced by $500,000, but Reiter emphasized that no services have been canceled.
As of Wednesday, UCC-SPC has laid off five full-time and one part-time staff member in Regina and Saskatoon due to these cuts.
“Although the number of arrivals to Saskatchewan has decreased over the past year, this decision was unexpected,” said UCC-SPC President Olena Kruger.
She noted that the organization has been providing essential settlement services to those seeking refuge in Saskatchewan since the war began.
“It’s disheartening that at a time when Russia continues to bomb Ukraine daily, and Ukrainian men, women, and children are dying, the funding for necessary assistance in resettling those fleeing the war is being cut,” Kruger added.
NDP MP Keith Jorgenson criticized the funding cuts as being wrong from both a moral and economic perspective.
“Putin's war continues, and Premier Scott Moe stated in March that his government supports Ukraine and is prepared to take in more people displaced by this devastating aggression, yet his actions suggest otherwise,” Jorgenson said.
Jorgenson pointed out that many people still need support, even if the number of new arrivals has lessened.
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