SOUND OFF: B.C. needs a plan to provide Ukrainian refugees with a warm welcome

IT’S BEEN A HEARTBREAKING and tense few weeks for British Columbians, as we join the global community’s outrage over what is unfolding in Ukraine. As Russia’s needless, aggressive attacks on the country continue, we sympathize with the plight of the peace-loving Ukrainian people and continue to check in with loved ones and acquaintances who are experiencing the daily terror of missiles and artillery fire.

Many of us have felt helpless, not knowing what we can do to help those in Ukraine. Many British Columbians have donated funds to organizations like the Red Cross and supported additional fundraising efforts by local Ukrainian community groups across British Columbia.

Despite these generous contributions, I get the sense that many people are wishing they could do more — and in my own role as an MLA, I continue to join BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon in urging our provincial government to do as much as it can for incoming refugees.

We know there are going to be numerous Ukrainians seeking safety and since Canada is the country with the largest Ukrainian diaspora outside of the conflict zone, our country has an important role to play in offering refuge and support. Here in B.C., we need to ensure that our refugee centres, settlement agencies and community groups know how to respond effectively as these refugees begin to arrive.