Ukrainian support rally in Lethbridge, AB February 26, 2022. Photo: LNN

By LNN Staff and Canadian Press

Provincial and Federal Governments address situation in Ukraine

Mar 5, 2022 | 6:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB — The Alberta government is prioritizing applications for permanent residency for Ukrainians to stay in the province.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Alberta is accelerating the assessment of applications made by Ukrainian nationals through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.

Premier Jason Kenney says, “Ukraine holds a deep, historical connection to Alberta, and we owe so much to the hundreds of thousands of Albertans of Ukrainian origin who have helped build this province. This action helps demonstrate Alberta’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine during their time of need.”

The province says many service fees will also be temporarily waived for new and existing applications made by Ukrainian nationals. Alberta is currently home to more than 345,000 people of Ukrainian descent.

On a federal level, the Canadian government has expanded its warning to avoid travel to areas affected by the conflict.

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In addition to its previous warning to avoid any travel to Ukraine, the Canadian government now also warns Canadians to avoid all travel to Russia, and any Canadians who are already there “should leave while commercial means are still available.”

The government says the advice is due to the armed conflict limiting flight options and restricting financial transactions.

Financial restrictions will soon make it more difficult for any Canadians who are in Russia to use credit cards. In the latest blow to Russia’s financial system, both Visa and Mastercard have announced they are suspending their operations in Russia.

Mastercard said Saturday its cards issued by Russian banks will no longer be supported by its network, and any card issued outside of Russia will not work at Russian stories or ATMs.

Visa says its working with clients and partners in Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days.

READ MORE: Canadians advised by federal government to leave Russia while means available