Quebec denied a Ukrainian woman a place in a subsidized kindergarten
The Ministry of the Family of Quebec reports that the refusal is valid.
Ukrainian newcomers continue to face difficulties in Canada. For example, after coming to Quebec in July with three children under the CUAET program, one of the women was looking for a subsidized kindergarten for them. The province was not chosen by chance: Quebec is known for its low-cost public facilities for preschoolers.
The application for enrollment submitted upon her arrival was approved in two kindergartens at once, so it was a huge shock for the Ukrainian woman when she received a call informing her of the mistake.
The administration of the institutions explained that Ukrainians arriving in Canada under CUAET are not eligible for preschool benefits. For comparison, the cost of a place in a subsidized kindergarten is only $8.70 CAD, while in a regular kindergarten it is $35-60 CAD.
The refusal is lawful. To be eligible for subsidized day care in Québec, parents must be recognized as refugees or protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. They must also have a certificate issued under the Quebec Immigration Act.
Ukrainian newcomers do not meet these requirements because they are not refugees. CUAET is a three-year temporary visa program under which they are classified as temporary residents and therefore do not have access to the range of services offered to other categories of newcomers.
According to the Quebec Ministry of the Family, there will be no exceptions for new arrivals from Ukraine who are seeking subsidized daycare if they are not eligible for the service by status:
"We are very sensitive to the situation that Ukrainians are in right now. However, for all parents living in Quebec, the same criteria apply to determine eligibility for a reduced contribution, including citizens of Ukraine."
The department said these people have access to child care services offered by unsubsidized day care centers, services offered by day care centers, and the recently increased tax credit for child care expenses.
According to the latest figures, between April 1 and August 3, the province received more than 1,500 Ukrainian families, or just under 3,000 people, most of them arrived under the CUAET program.
