There are many Ukrainian families living in Portage la Prairie, and Canada has streamlined the process since the inception of the war to see future immigrants from the country make their way here more quickly. Alina Flyk arrived two years ago from Ukraine, and is looking forward to seeing more of her family arrive soon. 

She outlines her experience in making the move.

"My family moved to Canada after the first Russian invasion of Donbas in 2014," says Flyk. "I realized that it would be difficult to live in Ukraine and made plans for the future. When a neighbour like Russia always brings death and destruction in my country, the current situation in Ukraine is forcing people to run away from war. People from Ukraine immigrate all over the World. Canada also provides such an opportunity for people from Ukraine to move here and live in a safe place. Most people who will come to Canada are women and children. We should support and help to socialize them in Canada."

She notes the first issue she faced when she arrived, as well as that which most Ukrainians share, is possessing no knowledge of the English language.

"It would be great if our community organized a volunteer core language course," adds Flyk. "We have in our town the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre where they help newcomers to improve their English in a conversation club, but we must understand that most of refugees don't have English knowledge."

Flyk says another issue is looking for work. 

"I hope that local employment will be able to hire refugees from Ukraine," continues Flyk. "I realize that their English is not sufficient, but at the same time, they have good, professional skills. Many families who live right now in Portage, whom I know, are ready to accommodate their relatives and friends in their homes. It would be also a great idea if people who have an opportunity to provide room for refugees from Ukraine. As for me, I am expecting four of my relatives from Ukraine this month. I am grateful for all the people who support Ukraine."

She says her mother is coming from Vinnytsia. Zlyk adds her sister-in-law with her two children fled from Zaporizhzhia which is close to a nuclear power plant.

"It's very dangerous in that area and I hope Canada will be a safe place for them," adds Flyk. 

She explains the process to come to Canada.

"Right now, Canada has opened all doors because it's providing an open work visa. All payments were cancelled," says Flyk. "My process was very complicated and I was waiting for a visa for six months. But right now, it's very easy to receive this work visa and people can come. When you arrive here, you have a lot of problems because you can't bring a lot of money here because you can't sell your apartment in Ukraine. You need to look for accommodations, look for jobs, and there's a lot of issues."

She notes when Ukrainians arrive in Canada, they want to continue to work in their careers and that for which they've previously received education. 

"But our education is a little different, and we need to still continue study here in Portage," adds Flyk. "And it's very difficult, because you must combine education, work, life and everything together."

Flyk says, while it took her six months, to prepare to come, it is much quicker now.

"The people who apply for this visa receive it in three or four weeks" says Flyk. 

Flyk adds she's hoping for peace to come quickly to her home country.

Alina Flyk