First of three flights bringing about 90,000 Ukrainians to Canada to land in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG — The first of three charter flights bringing Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion to Canada is to land in Manitoba this afternoon.

The flight is to touch down at around 2 p.m. at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has said the three flights are to help bring approximately 90,000 Ukrainians approved for emergency travel into Canada.

The second one will leave for Montreal from Poland on May 29 and the third, bound  for Halifax, will take off on June 2.

Canada’s government has already welcomed thousands of Ukrainians since Russian forces first attacked in late February.

Manitoba has said refugees will be taken to the province’s Ukrainian Refugee Reception Centre to receive help with settlement after they arrive.