The question of what rights a temporary protection visa in Edmonton grants to Ukrainians arriving in Canada under the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program is extremely important and often misunderstood by newcomers. Many people who come to Canada have misconceptions about what they can and cannot do, what services are available to them, and what restrictions apply to them. Some people believe they have fewer rights than they actually do and therefore do not take advantage of the services guaranteed to them by law. On the other hand, some people overestimate their rights and try to do things that are not allowed, which can lead to serious legal problems. That is why understanding the exact list of rights that temporary protected status in Canada provides is critical to successful integration and avoiding problems.
Basic rights guaranteed under CUAET: an overview
The CUAET program provides Ukrainians arriving in Canada with a set of basic rights that are guaranteed by Canadian law and the constitution. Unlike some other types of temporary status in Canada or around the world, status under CUAET does not deprive people of their basic human rights and rights to work. In fact, the program was designed with the understanding that people fleeing war need not only permission to stay, but also the opportunity to earn a living and build an independent life in a new country.
First and foremost, all people under CUAET have the right to personal liberty and security. This means that you cannot be arrested or detained without a legal reason and without following legal procedures. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees these rights to all people in Canada, regardless of their immigration status. In addition, all people under the CUAET have the right to justice and access to the courts. If you are treated unfairly or your rights are violated, you have the right to go to court and have a lawyer to defend your rights.
The second category of rights is those related to work and earnings. As discussed earlier, all Ukrainians who arrived in Canada under the CUAET before March 31, 2024, have the right to work in Canada on an open work permit. This means that you are guaranteed all the rights that Canadian workers have, including minimum wage, days off, overtime, safe working conditions, and other worker protections. In addition, if you lose your job for reasons beyond your control, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits through the Employment Insurance (EI) system.
The third category of rights is those related to education and training. All children under CUAET are entitled to free education in public schools until the completion of Grade 12. In addition, adults can apply for study permits to study at colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. Some training programs are even available free of charge or on a subsidized basis for new immigrants and people under temporary protection.
Right to work: one of the most important benefits of CUAET
The right to work is perhaps the most important benefit provided by the CUAET program, because without it, people would not be able to support themselves and their families in Canada. Unlike some temporary status programs in other countries, where people are prohibited from working or where it is very difficult to work, the CUAET program provides broad work rights through a so-called “open work permit.”
This permit means that you can work for any employer in any province of Canada, in any sector of the economy (subject to certain restrictions, which will be discussed below). You do not need to have a job offer from a specific employer before applying for the permit. You also do not need your employer to apply on your behalf. You can simply start looking for a job even before you receive your permit, and once you find a job, you can start working.
This right also extends to self-employment. If you want to start your own business or work as a freelancer, you can do so under the CUAET. However, there are some restrictions on the types of businesses you can operate, and you must comply with all Canadian laws and tax regulations.
When you work under the CUAET, you are guaranteed all the basic rights of a worker in Canada. This includes the minimum wage, which in Alberta is $15 per hour (although some categories of people may have a slightly lower minimum wage). You cannot be paid less than this, regardless of whether you know English or if this is your first job in Canada. In addition, if you work more than a certain number of hours per day (usually more than 8 hours) or more than a certain number of hours per week (usually more than 40 hours), you must be paid overtime, usually 1.5 or 2 times your regular rate, depending on the type of work.
You are also guaranteed vacation days. If you are sick and cannot come to work, you cannot be docked pay if you have paid sick leave. If you are seriously ill, you may be allowed more days to recover, depending on the laws in your province. In addition, if you have been working at your job for a certain amount of time, you are guaranteed paid vacation time that you can take to relax or to return to your home country.
It is important to understand that employers cannot discriminate against you based on your immigration status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. If you are discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the human rights commission in your province and receive compensation.
Right to education: free school for children and opportunities for adults
One of the most valuable rights under CUAET for families with children is the right to free education. In Canada, education from kindergarten to grade 12 is free for all children, including those who have arrived under temporary protected status. This means that parents do not have to pay for their children's education in public schools in Edmonton. The only costs parents may incur are for school supplies (notebooks, pencils, etc.), field trip permits, and other additional services that the school may offer.
Children under the age of 12 who want to start school can do so immediately, without the need for a special study permit. Parents simply need to register their child at a local school, providing documentation of the child's identity and address. Children over the age of 12 who want to continue their education in a public school can also start without a study permit. However, if they want to study at a private school or higher education institution (college or university), they need a study permit.
Study permits for children under CUAET who arrived before March 31, 2024, are issued free of charge. Children who arrived after this date must pay the standard study permit fee, which is approximately $150-200.
The study permit is issued for the entire period of study and can be renewed if necessary.
For adults who want to continue their education or obtain new qualifications, the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) program provides free English language courses for newcomers. In addition, some colleges in Edmonton, such as NorQuest College and NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), offer free or subsidized programs for newcomers and people under temporary protection. These programs may include English language skills, vocational training, and certification required to work in certain industries.
Medical care and health: access to the healthcare system
People under CUAET in Edmonton are eligible for medical care through Alberta's provincial healthcare system. This means you are guaranteed access to doctors, hospitals, ambulances, and other medical services without having to pay at the point of service. Payment is made through taxes paid by the entire community.
To access health care, you need to register with Alberta Health Services. The registration process is simple: you need to contact your local health services office or doctor's office, bring documents proving your identity and address in Alberta, and your temporary resident status. Once registered, you will be issued a health insurance number that you can use every time you visit a doctor or hospital.
It is important to understand that public health insurance in Canada covers visits to doctors, laboratory tests, certain procedures, and hospitalization, but does not cover medications, dental services, eye care, and certain other services. For these services, you will need to purchase private insurance or pay out of pocket. Some employers provide their employees with private insurance that covers these services, or some people purchase private insurance on their own.
However, Alberta offers some free services for children, including vaccinations, dental checkups for young children, and some other preventive services. In addition, if you have a low income, you may be eligible for help with prescription costs through a provincial program.
Social benefits and financial assistance: one-time payments and regular assistance
One of the biggest benefits of the CUAET program for people arriving in Canada is the financial assistance provided by the Canadian government. For people who arrived before March 31, 2024, this assistance includes a one-time payment of three thousand Canadian dollars for adults and one thousand five hundred dollars for children. This cash assistance is provided to help people cover initial settlement costs, including rent, utilities, groceries, and other basic needs.
In addition to the one-time payment, people under the CUAET who arrived before March 31, 2024, are also eligible for free accommodation during their first days and weeks after arriving in Canada while they find permanent housing. This includes free accommodation in hostels, guesthouses, or specially designated settlement centers. This accommodation program is organized through settlement organizations and in collaboration with IRCC.
In addition, people under CUAET may be eligible for other forms of assistance, depending on their circumstances. For example, if you have a low income, you may be eligible for income tax assistance through the Canada Worker Benefit program. If you have children, you may be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, which is a monthly payment for each child under the age of 18. However, children under the CUAET can only access this assistance after they have lived in Canada as temporary residents for 18 months.
It is important to understand that in order to receive these benefits, you must apply and submit all the necessary documents. Some benefits are provided automatically upon your arrival, while others require you to take active steps to apply. Settlement organizations in Edmonton can help you access these benefits and navigate the system.
Right to Settlement Support: Access to Integration and Skills Services
People under CUAET are eligible for settlement and integration services that help newcomers adapt to life in Canada. There are several organizations in Edmonton that specialize in helping new immigrants, including organizations that specialize specifically in helping Ukrainians.
These services include assistance with job search, skills assessment, resume writing, and interview preparation. In addition, they provide assistance with finding housing, understanding the health care system, enrolling children in school, and navigating the Canadian system in general. Many of these services are provided free of charge to newcomers and people under temporary protection.
The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) and the Centre for Newcomers are two major organizations in Edmonton that provide services to newcomers. In addition, Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (UCSS) specializes specifically in helping Ukrainians and provides services in Ukrainian. These organizations can help you with various aspects of settlement and integration.
Mobility and travel: the right to leave and return to Canada
People under CUAET have the right to leave and return to Canada as long as their permit remains valid. However, it is important to understand that when you leave Canada, you must carry documents that prove your status. This includes your passport and your permit to stay (e.g., visitor status card or work permit).
It is important to understand that when you return to Canada, Canadian immigration officials may ask you about the reason for your trip and verify that you still meet the requirements of your permit. If you are suspected of violating the terms of your permit (for example, if you stayed in another country longer than expected), you may be denied entry into Canada.
In addition, it is important to understand that if you leave Canada, your work permit may remain valid, but your “maintained status” may be compromised. This means that if you stayed in Canada on an expiring permit and left, you may lose your right to stay. Therefore, before leaving Canada, it is important to make sure that your permit to stay remains valid and that you have the right to return.
Right to fairness and protection from discrimination
People under the CUAET have the right to fairness and protection from discrimination in all aspects of life in Canada. This means that you cannot be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or immigration status. If you experience discrimination at work, when looking for housing, at school, or anywhere else, you can file a complaint with the human rights commission in your province.
In addition, you have the right to access the legal system and the right to have a lawyer if you are charged with a crime or if you have a legal problem. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for free legal assistance through your province's legal aid program.
It is important to understand that the Canadian justice system is fair and independent. The courts do not collude with the government, and you are guaranteed a fair trial. If you are accused of a crime, you have the right to be presumed innocent, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial.
Restrictions on rights: what people under CUAET are not allowed to do
While people under CUAET have many rights, there are also some restrictions and responsibilities that you should be aware of. First, people under CUAET are not allowed to vote in federal, provincial, or local elections. The right to vote is reserved for Canadian citizens and, in some cases, permanent residents.
Second, people under CUAET are not allowed to work in certain types of jobs, including working as a live-in caregiver, working in the Canadian Armed Forces, and certain sensitive positions in the public sector. In addition, some professions, such as lawyer, licensed engineer, or licensed nurse, require Canadian qualifications and licenses that people under CUAET may not have.
Third, people under CUAET are not eligible to obtain a Canadian passport or be guaranteed permanent residence in Canada. Their status is temporary, and they must comply with the conditions of their permit. If they violate the conditions of their permit (for example, by working without a work permit), they may lose their status and be removed from Canada.
Fourth, people under CUAET who remain in Canada after their permit expires without applying for an extension may be considered illegal residents. This can lead to serious legal problems, including deportation, fines, and difficulties in obtaining permanent status in the future.
Extension process: permit renewal and transition to permanent residence
For individuals whose rights are issued under the CUAET program, it is important to understand that their permit is temporary and must be extended before it expires. Until March 31, 2026, people under the CUAET are eligible to apply to extend their permits based on the CUAET special measures. The extension application process is similar to the original CUAET application but is simpler.
For people who wish to transition to permanent residence in Canada, there are several pathways. One of these is the Express Entry program, which includes the Canadian Experience Class. People who have accumulated one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled job can apply for permanent residence through this program. Alternatively, people can apply through a provincial nomination program, which allows provinces to nominate people for permanent residence based on their labor market needs.
Conclusion: Comprehensive Rights Under CUAET in Edmonton
Thus, the CUAET program provides Ukrainians arriving in Canada with a comprehensive set of rights and benefits that allow them to lead a near-normal life in their new country. These rights include the right to work, the right to education for children, the right to health care, the right to social benefits, the right to settlement and integration, the right to justice and protection from discrimination, and the right to mobility.
In Edmonton, with its well-developed system of services for newcomers and a strong economy, people under CUAET have good opportunities to build a new life. It is important to understand their rights, take advantage of the services available to them, and comply with the obligations imposed on them by their status. With a proper understanding of their rights and obligations, people under CUAET can successfully integrate into Canadian society and build a successful and fulfilling life in Canada.