Newmarket Mayor John Taylor proposed letting Ukrainian passports stand as bus passes to help refugees fleeing the war-ravaged country.
Taylor pitched the idea at regional council April 28, inspired by other jurisdictions offering similar measures. Staff said they would forward it to York Region Transit officials for review and consideration.
Community and health services commissioner Katherine Chislett said refugees could get free bus passes from regional welcome centres. But Taylor said he wants their travel to be simpler and user-friendly.
“This is something that is needed immediately,” Taylor said. “These groups that are coming in are overwhelmed with process and what they need to do to figure things out. That is the simplest way to provide them with transportation assistance tomorrow.”
Ukrainian families have begun to arrive in Newmarket and across Canada as the country opens its doors for some of the millions fleeing Russia’s invasion. But some Newmarketers have said there are hurdles in the process, such as OHIP coverage, SIN cards and housing.
Chislett told regional council about government efforts to help with the influx.
“Our staff continues to engage, share information, discuss collaborative response strategies,” she said.
She said the region added a dedicated page for resources on its website, york.ca/supportukraine. She said they are also holding meetings with community service providers and local staff about Ukrainian aid.
Chislett said they are also planning virtual sessions for residents and trusted organizations and businesses on how to contribute to the response.
Chislett added that refugees could also contact Access York at 1-877-464-9675 for help with translator services available. She said the region also offers emergency income assistance, with 15 Ukrainian individuals and families receiving it.
“We’re participating on various intermunicipal GTHA planning tables,” she said. “To proactively plan for the possible arrival of large numbers of displaced Ukrainains who don’t have families, friends, or shots to help them in Canada.”
Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk said she has been hearing from groups about Ukrainian support and appreciated the efforts staff were making. She said it would be important to share it on social media.
“So we can send it to some of the local churches and organizations that have reached out to us,” she said. “Provide the assistance to some of these groups that do want to sponsor."
As far as passports as bus passes, CAO Bruce Macgregor said that the idea would need regional transit service approval. He noted that the region is also still receiving refugees from Syria and Afghanistan.
Taylor said he was OK with referring it to regional transit and that they could proceed on it without council approval. He said he would be fine with them extending it beyond Ukrainian refugees.
“There’s need beyond Ukraine. But I think you’re going to see a large number of Ukrainian people with passports coming rapidly,” Taylor said.
-With files from Elizabeth Keith
