In response to recent geopolitical shifts and the suspension of U.S. financial aid to Ukraine, the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg has become increasingly concerned about its future. This concern was highlighted in a podcast episode featuring Vasyl Malyk, a long-time community activist and volunteer. Having lived in Canada for nearly seven years, Vasyl has made significant contributions to the Ukrainian diaspora, particularly in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Through his collaboration with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Winnipeg, Vasyl has helped develop support programs specifically designed for newly arrived Ukrainians. These initiatives, unique to Winnipeg, have provided critical assistance to dozens of immigrants navigating their new reality.
The podcast episode featuring Vasyl resonated deeply with the Ukrainian-speaking audience. He provided firsthand insights into ongoing immigration changes and offered strategic advice on how Ukrainians in Winnipeg can adapt, maximize their chances of staying in Canada, and avoid common pitfalls when applying for permanent residency (PR). Many viewers expressed gratitude for his clear and practical guidance.
Beyond the podcast, Vasyl has also supported the community by creating Ukrainian-language video tutorials on the PR application process. One viewer, Natalia, shared that these step-by-step videos were invaluable, as she struggled with English and feared making mistakes in her application. Thanks to Vasyl’s guidance, she was able to complete her paperwork with confidence.
Anna Kapiris, another member of the community, revealed that since immigrating, she has been under significant psychological stress. Vasyl’s story and advice gave her renewed motivation and hope that she could successfully build a life in Winnipeg.
The episode’s reach extended beyond the existing audience, attracting new listeners and increasing engagement with the podcast. Vasyl also actively participated in the comments section, answering questions and providing additional advice on immigration-related concerns.
Despite recent immigration policy changes, Vasyl urges Ukrainians to remain calm, assess their situations rationally, and seek opportunities to improve their PR prospects. He firmly believes that Ukrainians deserve to stay in Winnipeg and is committed to supporting them in this journey.
Since the full-scale war began, approximately 300,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada, with around 20,000 settling in Winnipeg. The majority hope to remain in Canada, but concerns have grown due to reduced quotas and longer processing times for PR applications. The Manitoba provincial program has become increasingly competitive, adding to immigrants’ anxieties.
However, there is a silver lining: Canada has extended work permits for Ukrainians until March 2026. This extension provides them with more time to gain Canadian work experience, improve their English skills, and apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
Through civic journalism, this podcast episode has not only informed and reassured the Ukrainian community in Winnipeg but also fostered meaningful discussions and strengthened communal bonds. By providing essential knowledge and practical solutions, Vasyl’s contributions exemplify the power of journalism in empowering immigrants and shaping the future of local communities.
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About LJI
LJI Impact is the section of commediaportal.ca where the journalists and their organizations participating in CACTUS' Local Journalism Initiative can share their greatest successes.
Through the written stories, photos and videos you see in the LJI Impact section, you'll be able to read first hand accounts about how the presence of a community journalist is making a difference in communities across Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative and the Community Media Portal.
The Community Media Portal is a gateway to the audio-visual media created by community media centres across Canada. These include traditional community TV and radio stations, as well as online and new media production centres.
Community media are not-for-profit production hubs owned and operated by the communities they serve, established both to provide local content and reflection for their communities, as well as media training and access for ordinary citizens to the latest tools of media production, whether traditional TV and radio, social and online media, virtual reality, augmented reality or video games.
The Community Media Portal has been funded by the Local Journalism Initiative (the LJI) of the Department of Canadian Heritage, and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS) in association with the Fédération des télévisions communautaires autonomes du Québec (the Fédération). Under the LJI, over 100 journalists have been placed in underserved communities and asked to produce civic content that underpins Canadian democratic life.
