On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will fast-track applications for Ukrainian refugees fleeing for Canada. Within a week of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations refugee agency said one million Ukrainians had already fled their home country.

Paul De Jong, president of the Edmonton-based Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), which represents the interests of more than 100 construction companies across the country, said he applauds Ottawa’s move and has pledged to make jobs available for refugees seeking employment in the industry. He’s hoping other levels of government act as well.

“We’re also asking the provinces to take all available measures to facilitate their entry, settlement and employment,” De Jong told Postmedia in a telephone interview. “With federal and provincial government support, our construction companies would love to hire skilled construction workers to meet our needs, but also recognize (the refugees’) continued needs to provide for their families.”

PCL Constructors Inc., a PCA member, said it’s in alignment with the association’s pledge and open to working with both levels of government to help refugees fill positions on construction projects across the country.

“There is a major need for skilled workers right now in our industry and for anyone displaced by the current conflict in Ukraine interested in joining us, we are extremely willing to do what we can to assist them in this regard,” PCL spokesperson Shane Jones said.

In an email statement, Joseph Dow, press secretary to Alberta Labour Minister Kaycee Madu, told Postmedia that while refugee processes fall under federal jurisdiction, the province is working with Ottawa and organizations serving newcomers to ensure Alberta plays a role in welcoming displaced Ukrainians.

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