#PRforCUAET

Already Home. Now Make It Official.

Land Acknowledgment: We respectfully acknowledge that Canada is built on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples—the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial. As we advocate for pathways to permanent residency for displaced Ukrainians, we honour the Indigenous Peoples who first welcomed newcomers to these lands and recognize our shared responsibility to walk together in the spirit of truth, respect, and mutual support.

From Temporary Refuge to Permanent Home: Why Canada Must Create a Clear PR Pathway for CUAET Holders

By Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov  |  December 2025

📺 WATCH: Press Conference with Senator Stan Kutcher on Permanent Residency for Displaced Ukrainians in Canada

In Ottawa this week, a press conference brought together the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Senator Stan Kutcher, and representatives of the Ukrainian community to address a question that has been weighing on the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of displaced Ukrainians: after nearly four years of war, after building new lives in Canada, after paying taxes and raising children in Canadian schools—will they finally have a pathway to call this country home?

The answer, they argue, must be yes. And the time to act is now.

A Crisis of Uncertainty Across Continents

This issue extends far beyond Canada’s borders. Travelling recently through Europe, I witnessed firsthand the profound uncertainty that weighs on Ukrainian families who fled their homeland. In Ireland, in Austria, In Italy, across the continent, I met Ukrainians living in a state of perpetual limbo—working hard, contributing to their host communities, learning new languages, yet unable to plan for a future that remains uncertain.

The stories were heartbreakingly similar everywhere: women raising children alone while their husbands defend Ukraine, families who arrived with nothing but the clothes on their backs, professionals who left successful careers to start again from zero. They work. They pay taxes. They volunteer in their communities. They want nothing more than the stability to put down roots—not because they have abandoned Ukraine, but because the war has made it impossible, for now, to return safely.

The temporary status that once served as a lifeline has become a source of constant anxiety. For children, it means uncertainty about whether they will finish school in the same country where they started. For women, it means navigating an already difficult situation without the security of knowing where they belong. For everyone, it means living “from extension to extension,” unable to make long-term decisions about careers, education, or housing.

Canada’s Unique Position and Responsibility

Canada has a special relationship with Ukraine, built on the foundation of over 1.4 million Canadians of Ukrainian descent. Our diaspora has contributed immeasurably to this nation—from the first Ukrainians who came to the prairie soil to the communities that built churches, cultural centres, and institutions across the country. Ukrainians helped build Canada, and Canada, in turn, has become a second homeland for generations of our people.

When russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Canada responded with the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program—a humanitarian lifeline that allowed Ukrainians to seek safety here. It was the right thing to do, and Canada deserves recognition for acting quickly and compassionately.

But emergency measures were never meant to be permanent solutions. Nearly four years later, the war continues, and the Ukrainians who arrived under CUAET have transformed from refugees into residents—in every way except on paper. They have integrated into Canadian society, filled critical labour shortages, contributed to local economies, and become part of the fabric of communities from coast to coast.

Two Practical Solutions on the Table

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress presented two concrete proposals at the Ottawa press conference. First, they called for a temporary public policy creating a dedicated pathway to permanent residency for CUAET holders who are already working and integrating in Canada. This is not a request for special treatment—it is a recognition of reality. These people are already here, already contributing, already Canadian in every meaningful sense except legal status.

Second, UCC proposed increasing Provincial Nominee Program quotas to allow provinces to create dedicated streams for displaced Ukrainians. Provinces understand their own labour market needs, and many Ukrainians are filling genuine gaps in regional economies. Expanding PNP capacity would give provinces the flexibility to fast-track those who are already working and needed.

Neither proposal requires lengthy legislative processes. Both can be implemented through existing ministerial mechanisms if there is political will.

The Human Cost of Uncertainty

At the press conference, speakers outlined the concrete harms of prolonged temporary status. Work permits expire, interrupting employment. Access to education and professional certification becomes complicated. Employers hesitate to offer career-track positions to workers whose status remains uncertain. The psychological toll of living in perpetual limbo is immense.

One mother who spoke shared her story: she arrived in Canada in summer 2022, fleeing the war that had destroyed not just buildings but her entire way of life. In Ukraine, she had managed a large hotel complex. Here, she found work, learned French, rebuilt her life. Her children adapted to Canadian schools and are thriving in a safe environment. Yet despite all her efforts, there is no program that offers her family a realistic path to permanent status.

A Ukrainian Orthodox priest from Ottawa spoke of the private stories he hears daily—of people who did not come seeking better opportunities but fled destroyed homes and dangerous conditions. For many, returning is not an option; there is nothing to return to. As he put it, permanent residency is not a “bonus”—it is the foundation of dignity and security, the ability to finally exhale and give children a stable future.

A Moral Choice for Canada

Senator Stan Kutcher framed the issue clearly: this is not merely a matter of bureaucracy or policy mechanics. It is a moral choice. These are people displaced by war who have already become part of Canadian society and are contributing to the country. Canada has the tools to act quickly—the question is whether there is political will.

The senator posed a simple question that every Canadian should consider: “Do we embrace them, or do we turn away?”

History tells us that Ukrainians who made Canada home have enriched this country immeasurably. There is no reason to believe the newest generation of Ukrainian Canadians will be any different. They have already proven their willingness to work, to integrate, to contribute. They ask only for the chance to build their futures here—not charity, but opportunity.

A Call to Action

I hope Canada will lead the way among nations hosting displaced Ukrainians. We have an opportunity to demonstrate that those who contribute to Canada, who support Canadian communities and economy, who have proven their commitment through years of work and integration, deserve a pathway to permanent residency if they choose to call Canada home.

This is not a partisan issue. It is about honouring the values that have made Canada a beacon for those fleeing persecution and war. It is about recognizing that temporary measures must evolve when circumstances demand it. It is about ensuring that the promise of refuge does not become a trap of permanent uncertainty.

What you can do:

Contact your Member of Parliament and express your support for a dedicated PR pathway for CUAET holders. Reach out to your MLA about provincial nominee program creation for displaced Ukrainians. Write to the Minister of Immigration. Share the stories of Ukrainians in your community who have contributed to Canada and deserve stability.

Remind decision-makers of the history—of how many Ukrainians have made Canada home across generations and contributed to building this country. Now it is time for a pathway for those CUAET holders who have demonstrated their willingness to stay, who have paid taxes, who have supported local Canadian economies.

Will Canada allow them a chance to become permanent residents?

The Ukrainian community is asking. The moral choice is clear. And the time for action is now.

#PRforCUAET  #AlreadyHome  #PathwayToStay

TEMPLATE LETTER TO MP/MLA

Copy, personalize, and send to your elected representatives

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, Province, Postal Code]

[Date]

[MP/MLA Name]

[Constituency Office Address]

Dear [MP/MLA Name],

I am writing to you as a constituent to urge your support for creating a clear pathway to permanent residency for Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.

Nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of displaced Ukrainians have made Canada their home. They work, pay taxes, raise families, and contribute to our communities—yet they remain in a state of permanent uncertainty, living “from extension to extension” with no clear pathway to permanent status.

[PERSONALIZE: Add your connection to this issue—are you Ukrainian-Canadian? Do you know CUAET holders? Have you witnessed their contributions to your community?]

I urge you to support the following measures:

1. A temporary public policy creating a dedicated pathway to permanent residency for CUAET holders who are already working and integrating in Canada.

2. Increased Provincial Nominee Program quotas to allow provinces to create dedicated streams for displaced Ukrainians who are filling labour market needs.

[CHOOSE 3-4 REASONS from the list on the following pages to include here. For example:]

There are compelling reasons to support this pathway. CUAET holders have already demonstrated their commitment to Canada through years of work and integration. They fill critical labour shortages in healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, and other sectors. Their children are in Canadian schools, learning both official languages and becoming part of our social fabric. Providing stability allows them to pursue professional recertification, increasing their economic contribution. And Canada has a proud history of welcoming Ukrainians who have enriched our nation for over a century.

This is not a request for special treatment—it is a recognition of reality. These individuals are already Canadian in every meaningful sense except legal status. They have proven themselves. They deserve a chance to build their futures here.

I ask you to raise this issue in [Parliament/the Legislative Assembly], advocate for a dedicated PR pathway for CUAET holders, and communicate your support publicly to your constituents.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to hearing about the actions you will take to support displaced Ukrainians in our community.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]

25 REASONS TO SUPPORT

A PR PATHWAY FOR CUAET HOLDERS

Choose 3-4 reasons that resonate with you to include in your letter

ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS

1. Tax Revenue: CUAET holders have been paying federal and provincial taxes for up to four years, contributing to public services that benefit all Canadians.

2. Labour Market Contribution: Ukrainians are filling critical labour shortages in healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, hospitality, and technology sectors across Canada.

3. Entrepreneurship: Many CUAET holders have started businesses in Canada, creating jobs for Canadian citizens and permanent residents while strengthening local economies.

4. Consumer Spending: Displaced Ukrainians rent homes, buy goods and services, and circulate money through local economies, supporting Canadian businesses.

5. Professional Recertification: With permanent status, skilled professionals can pursue Canadian recertification, increasing their earning potential and economic contribution.

6. Return on Investment: Canada has invested in settlement services, language training, and integration support for CUAET holders—permanent residency ensures this investment pays dividends.

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL INTEGRATION

7. Children in Schools: Thousands of Ukrainian children are enrolled in Canadian schools, learning English and French, making friends, and becoming part of our social fabric.

8. Community Volunteers: CUAET holders volunteer in churches, community organizations, sports leagues, and charitable causes, strengthening the communities where they live.

9. Language Learning: Displaced Ukrainians have invested years in learning English and French, demonstrating their commitment to integration and communication with fellow Canadians.

10. Cultural Enrichment: Ukrainian newcomers share their rich cultural heritage through festivals, art, music, and cuisine, adding to Canada’s celebrated multiculturalism.

11. Family Stability: Permanent status allows families to make long-term decisions about housing, education, and careers, creating more stable households and communities.

12. Mental Health: The psychological toll of permanent uncertainty is immense—providing a pathway to stability supports mental wellness and allows families to heal from war trauma.

CANADIAN HISTORY & VALUES

13. Historical Precedent: Canada has welcomed waves of Ukrainian immigration since the 1890s, and each generation has contributed to building this country—from prairie homesteaders to modern professionals.

14. Strong Diaspora: Over 1.4 million Canadians claim Ukrainian heritage—one of the largest Ukrainian diaspora communities in the world—demonstrating a proven track record of successful integration.

15. Humanitarian Tradition: Canada has long been a beacon for those fleeing persecution and war—supporting CUAET holders upholds this proud humanitarian tradition.

16. Democratic Solidarity: Supporting Ukrainians who fled russian aggression demonstrates Canada’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and the international rules-based order.

17. Global Leadership: By creating a clear PR pathway, Canada can set an example for other host countries and demonstrate leadership in the international response to displacement.

PRACTICAL & POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

18. Already Vetted: CUAET holders have already undergone security and background checks—they are known quantities, not unknown risks.

19. Implementation Simplicity: A temporary public policy can be implemented through ministerial mechanisms without lengthy legislative processes.

20. Provincial Flexibility: Expanding PNP quotas allows provinces to address their specific labour market needs while supporting integration of workers already in their communities.

21. Employer Confidence: Permanent status allows employers to invest in training and career development for Ukrainian workers without uncertainty about their future availability.

22. Reduced Administrative Burden: Repeated permit renewals create administrative burden for both government and applicants—permanent status is more efficient for everyone.

MORAL & HUMANITARIAN IMPERATIVE

23. War Continues: Nearly four years later, the war in Ukraine continues with no end in sight—these are not people who can simply “go home” when conditions are still dangerous.

24. Nothing to Return To: Many CUAET holders fled homes that were destroyed, damaged, or remain in occupied or contested territories—for them, “returning” is not a realistic option.

25. Dignity and Security: As Senator Stan Kutcher stated, this is fundamentally a moral choice: “Do we embrace them, or do we turn away?” These people have proven themselves—they deserve dignity and security.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Contact your MP: http://www.ourcommons.ca/Members

Find your MLA through your provincial legislature website

Share on social media: #PRforCUAET  #AlreadyHome  #PathwayToStay

Watch the press conference: youtube.com/watch?v=P_dK0W8CJ84