Not only will the Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Vernon and Salmon Arm host Ukrainian refugees, but they will be recruiting them. Ashley Olsen, general manager of the hotel, said they had pledged to hire up to 10 Ukrainians who had been forced to flee their homes. Hotels are also committed to providing temporary accommodation and support for the immediate needs of refugees. “We are ready to welcome the Ukrainians with open arms,” Olsen said. “Marriott has a long history of working with organizations around the world to support refugees, and our Inland locations will fully support these efforts.” In support of those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the federal government has created the Canada-Ukraine Emergency Travel Authority (CUAET) to help Ukrainians and their families come to Canada as quickly as possible and provide opportunity to work and study while in Canada. According to CUAET, Ukrainians and their family members coming to Canada from abroad can apply for a free visitor visa and may be allowed to stay in Canada for three years, as opposed to the standard six-month authorized stay for regular visitors. Refugees also have the opportunity to apply for a work permit with their visa application, enabling them to find work as soon as possible. “The tourism industry in the area has been facing staff shortages for many years and the peak summer season is just around the corner. “With the lifting of the restrictions, we already have a record year of tourists traveling to the area,” Olsen added. “We recognize that there is significant pressure on the availability of housing for locals, so we offer accommodation in our hotels for these people.” Residents of the area with friends or family in Ukraine wishing to enter Canada under the CUAET program are invited to contact Olsen at [email protected] For more information.
