January 27, 2021—Ottawa—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced the establishment of a new Canada–Ukraine Mobility Working Group, to identify and improve mobility opportunities for Ukrainians seeking to come to Canada, once COVID-19 restrictions are removed, while continuing to ensure the integrity of our respective migration and visa frameworks.
This mobility working group is a unique partnership between the Canadian and Ukrainian governments that will let Canada and Ukraine share best practices on migration management, increase recruitment, promote Canada’s economic immigration programs and further strengthen co-operation on migration-related matters.
Through this group, Canada and Ukraine will also work together to finalize a youth mobility agreement that will provide Canadian and Ukrainian youth with opportunities to travel, once COVID-19 restrictions are removed.
Today marks the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and Ukraine.
Since 1992, Canada and Ukraine have enjoyed a strong relationship anchored by close people-to-people ties and shared values. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, the mobility working group will build on our relationship with the people of Ukraine and bring us even closer together.
As we focus on accelerating our recovery, immigration continues to be a key driver of Canada’s economic growth.
The 2021‒2023 Immigration Levels Plan, tabled on October 30, 2020, sets out a path for responsible increases to immigration targets to help the Canadian economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, drive future growth and create jobs for middle-class Canadians.
Canadians are doing their part by staying home, not travelling, and preventing the spread of COVID-19. The Canada–Ukraine Mobility Working Group will help to establish new opportunities once COVID-19 restrictions have been removed.