The Ukrainian community in Edmonton, one of the largest and most active Ukrainian communities in Canada, responded to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine by creating a comprehensive support system for newly arrived Ukrainians. Since the war began in February 2022, Alberta has welcomed nearly 60,000 Ukrainian refugees, of whom approximately 20,000 have remained in Edmonton. To help these people, who were forced to leave everything behind and start a new life in an unfamiliar country, Ukrainian organizations, community groups, and government agencies have organized an extremely wide range of activities and programs. This article will detail all the main types of activities organized specifically for newly arrived Ukrainians in Edmonton, from educational programs to humanitarian aid, from cultural events to professional support.
Ukrainian Newcomer Support Hub
One of the most important initiatives for new Ukrainian arrivals was the creation of the Ukrainian Newcomer Support Hub, known as the Ukrainian Hub. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council organized this hub at 11041 105 Avenue NW, Suite 102, Edmonton. The opening of the Ukrainian Newcomer Support Hub was a significant event for the Ukrainian community in Edmonton. Together, the Ukrainian community has made a real, tangible impact by supporting thousands of people with humanitarian aid, including food, housing, airport meet-and-greet stands, and basic furniture.
The hub regularly hosts a variety of meetings and events for Ukrainian newcomers. The hub has become a central place where newcomers can get information, support, and connect with the Ukrainian community. The center serves as a coordination point for various services and programs aimed at facilitating the adaptation and integration of new Ukrainian arrivals into life in Canada.
English language courses for newcomers
One of the most important needs of newly arrived Ukrainians is learning English, and the Ukrainian community in Edmonton has organized several programs to meet this need. After the federal government stopped funding the Settlement Assistance Response program at the end of March 2025, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress took the initiative to organize its own English language courses.
Oya Boichuk of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council noted that many Ukrainians arrived with very limited or no knowledge of English. She emphasized that without access to English language courses, it becomes extremely difficult to find work, as well as to pursue post-secondary education for those who wish to continue their studies or learn a trade.
The UCC - Alberta Provincial Council organizes English language courses for different levels of proficiency. Eight-week English language courses for CLB 3-4 are held every Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ukrainian Hub. The start date for one of these courses was November 29, 2025. These courses provide an excellent opportunity for newly arrived Ukrainians not only to improve their English, but also to get to know each other and share their experiences of adapting to life in Canada.
English language courses for newly arrived Ukrainians at CLB 1-2 are held at St. John's Cultural Centre. Courses for CLB 4-6 are held at St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. Additional English language courses are also held at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex. One such course was held from September 2 to October 23, 2025, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the Ukrainian Hub. Another course was held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., starting on July 22, 2025. Another course started on November 25, 2025, and was held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Conversation clubs for practicing English
In addition to structured English courses, the UCC - Alberta Provincial Council also organizes a Conversation Club for Ukrainian newcomers at CLB 3-5 level. This program is designed specifically for those who want to improve their English in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. The Conversation Club provides an opportunity to practice English in an informal setting that is less stressful than formal classes and allows participants to build confidence in using the language in real-life situations.
Regular Conversation Club meetings allow participants not only to practice English, but also to build social connections with other members of the Ukrainian community. This is especially important for newcomers, who often feel isolated and lonely in a new country. The conversation club helps to overcome these feelings by creating a supportive community among people who are going through a similar adaptation experience.
Ukrainian language courses for adults
Interestingly, in addition to English courses, Edmonton also offers Ukrainian language courses for adults. While this may seem paradoxical for newcomers from Ukraine, these courses can be useful for family members who are not ethnic Ukrainians or for those who want to improve their Ukrainian language skills for professional purposes.
Courses are held from September to March on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Andrew's Cultural Centre at 9831-75 Street, Edmonton, AB. The fall semester of 2025 ran from September 10 to December 17. Any older teenager or adult, regardless of affiliation or origin, who wishes to learn and/or improve their Ukrainian language skills can register. It is important to note that these courses do not accept casual visitors - prior registration is required.
Free Furniture Warehouse for Newcomers
One of the most tangible and practical measures for Ukrainian newcomers was the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse (UNFW). Many Ukrainians who came to Canada on a CUAET visa were forced to leave their lives behind due to the devastating war in Ukraine. Under these unfortunate circumstances, Ukrainians face financial difficulties as they try to restart their lives in a new country.
That is why the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council created the UNFW, a free furniture store dedicated to providing basic furniture needs to Ukrainian newcomers fleeing the war. The warehouse space was generously donated by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Lodge 146 and is located at 15330-114 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta. The warehouse was open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The warehouse operated for over two years, supporting refugees, and closed permanently on April 28, 2024. During that time, the organization provided furniture to over sixteen thousand homes. According to Orisa Boichuk, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta branch, the warehouse required over twenty-five thousand volunteer hours to collect and distribute furniture worth over eight million dollars.
Marianne Psich, warehouse manager, noted that the number of Ukrainians arriving had decreased, and fewer people were coming to the airport. The organization was the only one still operating in Canada at the time. The closure of the warehouse brought mixed feelings—Boichuk was pleased to know that housing support was no longer needed, but she missed the community that had formed around the warehouse.
Free Store for Newcomers
In addition to the furniture warehouse, a Free Store for Ukrainian Newcomers was also organized. Thanks to the generous support of the Edmonton South Rotary Club, the store offered free items donated by Amazon to Ukrainian newcomers, ranging from small furniture to household goods.
Edmonton FREE STORE for Ukrainians is a free shopping experience for Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Canada. The store's needs are constantly changing, and the organization accepts donations from the community. This event allows newcomers to obtain the necessary items without additional financial burden, which is especially important in the first days after arrival, when the costs of settling in can be prohibitive.
Orientation programs for newcomers
Special orientation programs are organized to help new Ukrainian arrivals find their way around their new city and country. Catholic Social Services Alberta conducts online orientation for Ukrainians with translation every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These sessions help newcomers understand how Canadian society works, what services are available, and how to access them.
There are also Welcome to Edmonton City-Wide Orientation sessions with Ukrainian translation. These sessions provide participants with an overview of the province and country, help them learn the steps to successfully settle in Edmonton, and provide other useful information for starting life in a new city. Orientation programs are critically important for newcomers because they provide structured information on everything from the health care system to public transportation, from the education system to labor laws.
Employment Services
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council has created the Ukrainian Employment Resource Hub. This hub is designed to help Ukrainian newcomers to Alberta improve their employment opportunities. Here you will find a comprehensive collection of resources, tools, and templates designed to help you navigate the job market and build a successful career.
The hub offers employment guides, resume templates, interview tips, and other valuable information. The employment preparation section is dedicated to equipping Ukrainian newcomers with the necessary tools and knowledge they need before starting their job search. The employee rights section is designed to help Ukrainian newcomers understand their legal protections and rights in the Alberta job market.
The centre also provides information on job boards and preparing employment documents, including visas, permits, and identification required to work in Alberta. In addition, the Canadian Bar Association's Free Legal Initiative is available, providing free legal advice and guidance for those who wish to take advantage of IRCC's facilitated initiatives and programs for Ukrainian citizens.
Several organizations offer employment programs, including Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, Access Employment, Centre for Newcomers - Employment Services for Ukrainians (ESUN), and the SLAVA (Specialized Language Acquisition for Vocational Achievement) program from Equilibrium School. Calgary Public Library also offers a career planning and job search tool through LearningExpress Library.
Ukrainian Rural Attraction Program
The Ukrainian Rural Attraction Program (URAAP) helps Ukrainian newcomers in Calgary and Edmonton explore employment opportunities and successfully relocate to rural communities across Alberta. This program recognizes that while many newcomers initially settle in large cities, rural communities also offer excellent opportunities for employment and quality of life.
Social Services for Newcomers
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Edmonton provides a wide range of services for newcomers. The organization provides guidance and advice to newcomers on finding rental housing or purchasing real estate, finding employment, applying for a SIN (Social Insurance Number), Alberta residence permits, and other important documents.
UCSS also has an Instagram page (@ucss_edmonton) where it posts a lot of useful information, including information about events, upcoming holidays in Edmonton, and other information for newcomers. The organization regularly holds events and provides support to members of the Ukrainian community, especially those who have just arrived in Canada.
Housing Support Programs
Edmonton offers Ukrainian newcomers living in the city a discount on RideTransit passes and a free or reduced Leisure Pass, which is available to residents with refugee status. The Leisure Access Program (LAP) allows low-income Edmontonians to access the city's recreational facilities, which offer amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, and other health and wellness programs.
Ukrainian displaced persons can receive a free annual LAP membership (the regular price is $732 for adults, $576 for seniors/youth, $468 for children, and $2,028 for families). A Ride Transit annual pass costs $35 per month for Ukrainian displaced persons instead of the standard $100 per month, depending on income level.
Calgary also offers the Fair Entry Program, which allows low-income citizens to access city programs and services with a single application, including assistance with recreation fees and transit passes. These offers are available to Ukrainian newcomers under the CUAET program.
Cultural events for newcomers
The Ukrainian community organizes a variety of cultural events specifically for newcomers to help them feel connected to Ukrainian culture and community. Little Don'ya has organized a Newcomer Market in Edmonton, where participants can meet local vendors, sample traditional Ukrainian cuisine, and enjoy interactive activities and live singing.
DON'YA Ukraine's Kitchen organizes a series of events called “BEST SUMMER EVER,” including traditional Ukrainian cooking classes. Participants can gather their friends and family and join DON'YA for a heartwarming summer series of traditional Ukrainian cooking classes costing $30 per class. These events not only teach traditional Ukrainian cuisine, but also create opportunities for socialization and cultural exchange.
Ukrainian Christmas Caroling with Olga Zaitseva-Hertz took place on Friday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Strathcona Community League Hall. Events like these help newcomers stay connected to Ukrainian traditions and celebrate important cultural events together with the local Ukrainian community.
Events in support of Ukraine
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton regularly organizes events in support of Ukraine, which also serve as meeting and gathering places for newcomers. A large Stand with Ukraine event was planned for February 24, 2025. The event took place in two stages: the first part at St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church (7007 109 St NW), where the doors opened at 6:30 p.m. and the program began at 7:00 p.m., and the second part at St. Basil's Cultural Centre (10819 71 Ave NW).
The Ukrainian National Youth Federation organizes rallies in support of Ukraine every other Sunday. These regular meetings will be held in Edmonton as long as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine. Participation in these events allows newcomers not only to show solidarity with Ukraine, but also to meet like-minded people and feel part of an active community fighting for the freedom of their homeland.
Free legal assistance
Newly arrived Ukrainians can get free legal advice from a Canadian lawyer. You can call 1-877-873-7875 Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Assistance is available in Ukrainian, English, and French. This initiative by the Canadian Bar Association provides free legal advice and guidance to those seeking to take advantage of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's facilitated initiatives and programs for Ukrainian citizens.
Legal support is critical for newcomers who face numerous legal issues, from immigration status to labor laws, from housing issues to family law. Access to free legal advice in Ukrainian greatly facilitates the process of navigating the Canadian legal system.
Activities for children and youth
A variety of programs and activities are organized for the children of Ukrainian newcomers. In Alberta, there are many extracurricular activities available for children, including sports, arts, dance, music, scouting, and more. While most programs require registration and payment, some facilities and programs offer discounts for low-income families and newcomers.
Plast Edmonton is a Ukrainian youth leadership organization that offers outdoor activities and life skills development. The Ukrainian Youth Association in Edmonton is a youth leadership group that promotes the Ukrainian language, culture, and traditions. These organizations provide newcomer children with opportunities to immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture, develop friendships with Ukrainian children, and participate in a variety of activities.
The Green Shack program is organized by community leagues for children in the summer. They are usually held at playgrounds and are free of charge. However, these are not daycare programs, and children should not be left unattended. Jumpstart by Canadian Tire provides families with financial resources to participate in sports and recreational activities.
Information Resources and Guides
UKK - The Alberta Provincial Council has created a comprehensive Information Guide for Ukrainians arriving in Alberta. This guide contains general information for newcomers and immigrants to Alberta, including information about the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
The guide discusses resources to help with finding housing, employment, health care, education, and next steps in successfully settling into a new home. It provides information about urban and rural communities, as rural communities in Alberta are often surrounded by agricultural land, providing opportunities for farming, ranching, and other related professions.
Settlement Organizations
Several organizations in Edmonton provide settlement services for new Ukrainian arrivals. The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) provides settlement services, including English as a Second Language programs, by phone at (780) 474-8445 at North Rim Square, 10720 113 St, Edmonton AB T5H 3H8.
Northern Alberta YMCA provides services for newcomers by email at [email protected]. The Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers is available by phone at (780) 424-7709 at 10170 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2L6. YEG Newcomer Community Connection can be contacted by phone at (833) 738-7727.
The Newcomer Centre also supports refugees and newcomers, including those from Ukraine. EPCOR partners with the organization by matching donations to support newcomers. The Consulate General of Ukraine in Edmonton also provides support by phone at (780) 425-3217 at #327-9707 110 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2L9.
Challenges and program adaptation
It is important to note that support for new Ukrainian arrivals is evolving and adapting to changing circumstances. As mentioned earlier, the federal government discontinued funding for the Settlement Assistance Response program at the end of March 2025. This funding has been critical in subsidizing English language courses over the past two years, which the Ukrainian Canadian Congress has identified as critical to the successful integration of newcomers into Canadian society.
In response to these changes, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress is adapting by launching its own language courses. Boichuk noted that without federal programming, newcomers face limited alternatives, often relying on community organizations to provide affordable programs, as English language courses at private colleges can cost up to a thousand dollars for a four-month period.
The Islamic Family & Social Services Association, which supports newcomers and refugees, regularly encounters difficulties related to access to English language training. Executive Director Omar Yakub explained that the challenge goes beyond simply ensuring the availability of classes. When we direct people to limited options, we often end up excluding them entirely. If parents are told that the only available class time is at 3 p.m., that effectively means they cannot attend.
Conclusion: A comprehensive support system
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton has created an extremely comprehensive and multifaceted support system for newly arrived Ukrainians. From basic needs such as furniture and housing to language education programs, from legal assistance to employment services, from cultural events to programs for children, the measures cover virtually all aspects of adapting to a new life in Canada.
This support system has been made possible through the coordinated efforts of numerous organizations, including the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Ukrainian Canadian Social Services, various community organizations, religious institutions, and government agencies. Thousands of volunteer hours, generous donations from the community, and the dedication of organizers have created a support network that has helped thousands of Ukrainian refugees start a new life in Edmonton.
Despite challenges such as the termination of federal funding for some programs, the Ukrainian community continues to adapt and find new ways to support newcomers. Organizing its own language courses, creating employment resource centers, hosting cultural events, and providing practical assistance demonstrate the community's resilience and dedication to its new members.
An extremely wide network of support and resources is available to new Ukrainian arrivals in Edmonton. The key to successful integration is to actively use these resources, contact the relevant organizations, and participate in community events. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council serves as a central point for information on all available programs and events, and newcomers can contact them by phone at 780-414-1624 or by email at [email protected] for additional information and support.