Saskatchewan's New Immigration Policy Creates Uncertainty for Ukrainian Community
Ukrainian immigrants in Saskatchewan are raising serious concerns about recent changes to the province's immigration policies, which they say are disrupting established pathways to permanent residency. Community leaders and advocates gathered in Saskatoon this week to highlight how these policy shifts are affecting Ukrainian families who have sought refuge and opportunity in the province.
Community Voices Express Frustration
Mykhailo Dumenko, a prominent member of Saskatchewan's Ukrainian community, emphasized the practical challenges these policy changes create. "We came to Saskatchewan with the understanding that there was a clear process for building our lives here," Dumenko stated. "These sudden changes create uncertainty for families who have already invested so much in their Canadian journey."
Bohdan Dumenko echoed these concerns, noting that many Ukrainian immigrants chose Saskatchewan specifically because of its established immigration pathways. The community members were joined by NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson and Vladislav Chonka, who have been advocating for more stable immigration policies that don't disrupt lives already in progress.
Political Response and Advocacy
NDP MLA Keith Jorgenson has been vocal about the need for immigration policies that provide consistency and predictability. "When people uproot their lives to come to Saskatchewan, they deserve to know the rules won't change midstream," Jorgenson explained. "These policy shifts undermine the trust that newcomers place in our provincial systems."
The concerns come at a time when Saskatchewan has been actively recruiting international immigrants to address labor shortages and support population growth. However, community advocates argue that policy stability is crucial for maintaining Saskatchewan's reputation as a welcoming destination for newcomers.
Broader Immigration Context
These Saskatchewan-specific concerns emerge within a broader national conversation about immigration policy. Across Canada, provinces are adjusting their approaches to immigration to address regional needs while balancing federal requirements. The Ukrainian community's experience in Saskatchewan highlights how policy changes at the provincial level can have immediate, tangible impacts on immigrant families.
Community leaders are calling for more consultation with immigrant groups before implementing significant policy changes. They emphasize that transitional measures and grandfathering clauses could help protect those already in the immigration process while allowing for necessary policy updates.
As Saskatchewan continues to develop its immigration strategy, the Ukrainian community's experience serves as a reminder that policy decisions have human consequences that extend far beyond bureaucratic processes.
