Saint John, N.B. aims to become new hub for immigration – New Brunswick

It has solely been a couple of days because the Shaladonov household arrived in Saint John.

The household of three — Myroslav, Oleksandra and Kira — was compelled to flee war-torn Ukraine following the beginning of the unprovoked Russian invasion.

Anette Malinowski, who, alongside along with her husband, is internet hosting the household, introduced the area’s latest residents to St. Martins, N.B., to point out them the sweetness the province has to supply.

“We have a stroll there. There are lovely caves. We go on a seashore,” Myroslav Shaladonov remarked.

Shaladanov mentioned the nice and cozy reception by the folks of Saint John got here as a shock.

Unfortunately, immigrants haven’t at all times felt the hospitality when transferring to the Port City.

Malinowski emigrated from Germany almost 20 years in the past, and after dwelling in Alberta for a couple of years, she determined to maneuver to the east coast for its decrease price of dwelling.

But, wanting again on her transfer to Saint John, Malinowski describes it as lonely.

“Nobody defined to us about constructing a credit score rating up, shopping for a home, with a driver’s licence, with the taxes, with the whole lot, so we had been alone,” mentioned Malinowski.

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Now a seasoned Saint Johner, Malinowski can admit it’s an awesome metropolis — so long as folks.

Ensuring newcomers don’t have the identical expertise might be a prime precedence for the City of Saint John.

A brand new proposed immigration technique goals to draw almost 12,500 immigrants to town by 2030, and retain no less than 90 per cent.

“So we wish to be a neighborhood of selection for immigration, and that’s going to take some work with the federal authorities as effectively, to say we’re prepared for immigrants,” Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon mentioned.

Through conversations with newcomers, Reardon has turn into extra conscious of the boundaries that hold immigrants from staying long-term.

“One is transit. A number of them come from a rustic the place they might have had public transit. They could not have owned a automobile, don’t need a automobile, could not be capable to afford the expense of a automobile,” mentioned Reardon.

Another barrier is a spot of worship, mentioned Reardon, who famous with empty church buildings and downsized congregations, it might be price asking teams to share areas.

While town works to ascertain itself as the brand new hub for immigration, the Shaladonov household will make themselves comfy of their new house.

“It’s a pleasant metropolis, and I hope I’ll know extra about it sooner or later,” mentioned Shaladonov.