Ukrainian Refugee in Winnipeg Shares Urgent Struggles Amid War

URGENT UPDATE: A Ukrainian refugee in Winnipeg is bravely sharing her ongoing struggles as she navigates life in Canada nearly three years after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Vikatoria Zamorskay, a mother of two, continues her fight to support her family both here in Canada and back home, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many refugees.

Zamorskay, who fled Ukraine with her children and husband, is haunted by the uncertainty of her parents’ safety, who remain in the war-torn country. “I call my parents every morning to check in, but the connection does not always go through,” she explained. “It makes me feel so horrible. When you close your eyes and feel your parents, ‘Are they alive?’ is what you can feel in this moment.”

Her husband, a former emergency room doctor in Ukraine, is now in northern Manitoba assisting in wildfire efforts after completing a paramedic course. Zamorskay stated, “At least it’s something in the field, like doctor’s field. I know it’s not the same, but you know, maybe it’s something. He’s okay, but sometimes firefighters come back in not a very good condition.”

Despite working long, demanding shifts, Zamorskay’s husband remains committed to regaining his medical practice in Canada. “It’s not easy. It’s very expensive, so you need to really save some money. He’s trying his best to support the family and study at the same time,” she said.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) recently confirmed that the registration process for international medical graduates (IMGs) varies based on their education and experience. Unfortunately, there are currently no fee reductions available for IMGs. However, organizations like the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office and Manitoba Start are providing essential support to help these medical professionals pursue licensure in the province.

The struggles of refugees in Manitoba are underscored by Joanne Lewdanosky, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ Manitoba Provincial Council, who reported that the province has welcomed over 30,000 refugees since the onset of the war. “Some people have to do two and three jobs because they’re not getting full-time jobs,” Lewdanosky noted. “We have to try to give these people the tools. We run an office that helps them write their resumes and find jobs as much as are available.”

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Zamorskay remains hopeful and urges fellow Ukrainians to stay strong. “Believe in yourself, just be happy. Happy Independence Day,” she said, offering a message of resilience during these trying times.

As more refugees continue to arrive in Canada, the community’s response and support systems will be critical in helping families like Zamorskay’s transition and thrive in their new environment. The situation remains fluid, and the commitment of organizations and individuals in Manitoba will play a crucial role in their journey forward.

Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing issue and the ongoing efforts to support Ukrainian refugees in Canada.