Ukraine flag raised in Toronto

Toronto is donating four emergency vehicles to aid Ukraine amidst Russian invasion

by Nisean Lorde for Post City Posted: August 5, 2022 Photo: Ukraine flag raised in Toronto.

It’s been more than five months since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the city of Toronto recently announced that it will supply Ukraine with four end-of-life vehicles that could be used to respond to emergencies.

Two end-of-life vehicles are from the city’s fleet services and two end-of-life emergency response vehicles—equipped with operational lights, sirens, and basic first aid supplies—will be supplied by Toronto Paramedic Services.

“We continue to stand with the people of Ukraine and with our Ukrainian-Canadian community. We are proud to make this donation to help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.” Mayor John Tory said in a statement last Friday when the vehicle donation announcement was made. “I will continue to work with my counterparts at all levels of government to ensure Toronto is supporting Ukrainians arriving here.”

This donation is one of many ways Toronto has assisted those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. In the last few months, the City developed a regional plan to provide temporary housing to Ukrainian arrivals with no other housing options. The city has also:

  • Created intergovernmental engagement to help ensure all levels of government work together to assist Ukrainians arriving at Pearson Airport.
  • Conducting information sharing/outreach between response partners (e.g., GTHA municipalities and the local Red Cross).
  • Established an internal City committee, led by the Office of Emergency Management, to better coordinate available resources in Toronto.
  • Established an external task force made up of local community immigration organizations, humanitarian groups, volunteer organizations, provincial ministries, and federal departments.
  • Strengthened the collaboration with service providers and organizations in Toronto’s Ukrainian community.
  • Identified gaps in settlement support systems and opportunities so that Ukrainians arriving in the city can get access to housing and living essentials as soon as possible.

Federal government data indicate that more than 47,000 people from the Ukraine have arrived in Canada since March 17, with close to 26,000 Ukrainians making their first point of entry in Ontario.

Since June, anywhere from 1,500 to 2,200 Ukrainians have arrived directly in Ontario from overseas each week, primarily through Toronto Pearson Airport. Ontario has issued nearly 18,000 OHIP cards, with most recipients in the GTA.

As of June 28, Canada has committed $320 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of people affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Click here for more updates on the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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