What Transportation Services are Available

Very few, if any refugees, will arrive in Canada and have a private vehicle of their own. And though they may have the goal of getting a Canadian driver’s licence and vehicle, it is a long process that spans many months and may even take years. So, to integrate into the local community and reduce dependency on others, finding available transportation is of utmost importance for most refugees. 

From the airport 

Depending on the type of refugee, transportation from the airport to their new home is the government’s or private sponsors’ responsibility.  

Government-assisted refugees are welcomed at the airport by an official welcome community. This group ensures they make connecting flights or find transportation to the right Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) centre.  

In the case of Privately sponsored refugees, it is the responsibility of the sponsors to make sure they get around. When they decided to sponsor a refugee, they agreed to take on many roles, including airport navigation. Private sponsors are responsible for all fees and costs for the first year or until the refugee is established. This includes transportation to Canada and transportation to essential appointments, including medical appointments. 

Those entering the country using the  Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program are not considered refugees but rather temporary residents. As such, they are currently not entitled to any special transportation programs. 

Transportation loans 

Government-sponsored refugees technically have to pay for transport costs from their refugee camps to Canada. Many are impoverished and cannot afford these costs. So, the Government of Canada, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has created the  Immigration Loans Program (ILP). This loan helps them reach Canada safely. 

The refugee must repay all costs that they incur. 

According to the Government of Canada, approved types of expenses that may be covered include: 

• Transportation from the refugee’s place of residence in a rural community or camp to a city from which the refugee may board a flight that commences their trip to Canada

• Cost of overnight accommodation and meal allowances before departure

• Cost of travel to Canada by the most direct route at the most economical rate available

• Charges for any transportation tax (for example, toll or airport tax)

• IOM operational escort (approved by the Resettlement and Asylum Strategic Operations Branch, Refugee Resettlement Division [RASO-RRD] Sponsor Engagement Unit)

• Approved service fees from the IOM to cover the IOM’s administrative costs associated with the delivery of its services

• Inland transportation costs, which may include

• Meals en route

• Overnight accommodation

• Ground transportation

• Incidental expenses

• Pre-selection processing costs (for example, transportation, accommodation and meals associated with selection interviews, immigration medical examinations (IMEs) or both) only if these costs are not already covered under a separate agreement with the IOM.

The loan does not cover everything a refugee needs in terms of travel. It does not cover: 

• Baggage above the carrier’s free baggage allowance

• Costs for the shipping of personal and household effects

• Transportation of animals (domestic or livestock) 

  cost of DNA testing

• Medical interventions for clients to be travel-ready (fit to fly)

• Pre-departure medical services are covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

• Cost of transportation, accommodation, and meals associated with the Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) Program delivery. 

Once a refugee is in Canada, they do have several transportation options. These options do depend on the location where they have settled, as transportation types can vary greatly from place to place. Fees and costs associated with each type of transportation also can vary. 

While a refugee takes the necessary steps to get their driving licence and a personal vehicle – if they desire to do so – they can choose to get around using:

• Local or regional buses

• Transportation services for people with disabilities

• Trains

• Drives from sponsors, friends, family and community members

• Private coach buses

• Streetcars or subways

• Green energy, which includes walking and bicycling

Parents who require transportation for their children can contact their local school boards.

There is no form of public transportation in Renfrew County. The most common mode of transportation locally is a personal vehicle. 

Lanark County Transportation is a grassroots, not-for-profit association that connects people with life-enhancing community supports and services. They provide transportation to families, seniors, children, youth and others living in Lanark County.

Refugees will have to rely primarily on walking, bicycling, taxis and drives from sponsors, friends, family and community members.