Angela and Nadia are Canadian activists who protest every day under the Russian embassy in Canada against a ruthless invasion that takes Ukrainians’ lives every day. They organize protests, political actions, take part in helping the Ukrainian community in Ottawa and believe in Ukraine’s victory over the Russian occupiers.
Angela is a 37-year-old Canadian-Ukrainian woman from the Ukrainian community located outside Toronto. Her grandparents, who came to Canada after the Second World War, settled here. Currently, she is a PhD student.
Angela during the protest rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Canada, photo via Mykyta Budnyk, Ottawa, 2023
Angela has participated in protests since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She is very motivated, and despite the difficult situation she continues to find ways to support the Ukrainian community in Ottawa.
It’s something I can do. It’s easy to feel hopeless and overwhelmed with all the bad news. There is something I can do, although I am not very well-employed at the moment and sending funds is challenging for me, I can still contribute to this protest. Additionally, I’ve noticed that people tend to be tired of hearing about the ongoing war. I believe Ukraine needs leaders who can sustain collective energy and hope. That’s why I am here today.
It is important for her to support Ukrainian women who came to Canada alone with children and suffered from the Russian war in Ukraine. Angela actively supports the local network of Ukrainians in Ottawa and helps them settle in a new country.
I know several of them. The women within our community, and the men as well, perform incredible deeds to assist newcomers. We have a Facebook chat group specifically for Ukrainian newcomers in our neighbourhood. When they seek guidance on tasks like opening a bank account, being able to provide such information and help them settle into their new lives has been a fulfilling experience. It has also led to the forming of new friendships.
Angela emphasizes that Canada continues to support Ukrainians no matter what. She believed that Canada had several reasons for its strong link with Ukraine.
Firstly, there are a lot of Ukrainians in Canada, making Ukrainian culture quite prominent here. People across the country generally have an understanding of Ukrainian culture, often due to events and festivals that highlight this culture. Canadians have consistently extended their help to Ukraine, similar to their support for Syrians, including sponsoring many refugees. It’s amazing and we are very grateful for this!
Nadia is 66 years old Canadian-Ukrainian woman, born in Ottawa, and a member of the Ukrainian orthodox church in Ottawa. Both of her parents were born in Ukraine, and her mother is from Poltava oblast.
Nadia during the protest rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Canada, photo via Mykyta Budnyk, Ottawa, 2023
Nadia member of the Ukrainian diaspora and church in Ottawa, she develops local community and has strong roots in Ukrainian culture, which is actively supported and developed in Canada. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, she, along with other activists, has been protesting daily at the Russian embassy in Canada against the unjust terrorism that Russia is engaged in Ukraine.
I grew up during the time when Ukraine was a communist republic, and my father was adamant that preserving our language and Ukrainian culture was crucial. He believed that if we didn’t safeguard these aspects, Ukraine’s future would be uncertain. I attended a Ukrainian high school while Ukraine was gaining its independence. I believe that the Ukrainian people have the right to determine their own destiny; they know what needs to be done. I truly believe that language and culture form the fundamental base.
When Russia invaded Crimea, it became evident that Russia was still an imperialistic country. We protested here in Ottawa. Last year, when Russia initiated a full-scale invasion, I couldn’t believe it was happening. I questioned why this was occurring. I initially thought this invasion might lead Russians to stand up against their dictator, but with each passing day, it became clear that this wouldn’t happen. It’s very sad.
She stressed that in Ottawa, Ukrainian women would find support from the local community in Ottawa. She believes that after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is very important to focus on supporting Ukraine, organizing protests and helping Ukrainian refugees.
I am a member of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and within the community, there are many Ukrainian women who organize various engaging events to empower other women. These events focus on work opportunities, education, and language studies. Many of these women actively participate in the daily protests. As I attend these protests regularly, I’ve made many friends who share these sentiments.
I wish our fellow Ukrainian women good health and the ability to build a life there. My hope is that one day they can return to a free and independent democratic Ukraine.
How Canada is helping Ukrainians
In the wake of the comprehensive Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, countless Ukrainians have been compelled to flee their homes. Responding swiftly, on March 3, 2022, the Canadian government unveiled the CUAET program, facilitating the urgent entry of Ukrainians into the country. The program encompassed temporary financial aid and access to an array of settlement and adaptation services.
As of today, a staggering 181,553 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada through the CUAET.
However, on July 15, 2023, the Canadian government ceased accepting new applications under the CUAET program. Nonetheless, they extended support measures for newly arrived Ukrainians until April 2024.
For Ukrainians possessing a CUAET visa, the opportunity to travel to Canada under special temporary provisions will persist until March 31, 2024. After the conclusion of overseas applications under the CUAET on July 15, 2023, Ukrainian individuals and their family members can continue to apply for temporary resident visas to Canada under the existing immigration measures.Upon arrival in Canada, temporary residents will be entitled to request extended stays of up to three years through study permits and open work permits, with a strong emphasis on expediting these processes. Furthermore, they will gain access to settlement services, including language courses and employment assistance.
