‘My goal is to make my son happy’: Ukrainian who fled to Calgary working to build life in Canada

For Ukrainians leaving their homes and arriving in Calgary, there is a lot of uncertainty. Some worry that they will not be able to find a job, and for skilled workers, there’s the added uncertainty of not knowing if they’ll be able to find the job that they are specially trained to do.

Lina Borets and her seven-year-old son are now living with family in Calgary, after fleeing from their Ukrainian home, leaving her husband behind. They have only been here for a couple of weeks and are trying to build a life in Canada.

With her son just starting school, Borets has spoken with a career coach to help her with the job search that so many Ukrainians will have to navigate.

“I’ve already created my resume, I’ve got great experience,” said Borets.

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A grassroots volunteer-run organization called Help Ukrainian was created for newcomers like Borets. It’s a free service that offers job search advice and resume reviews.

“Helping them find a job as soon as possible, not just a survival job,” explained Ana Lokotkova, a career advisor with Help Ukrainian.

Borets has two education degrees, but may face challenges having her credentials recognized here in Canada. Help Ukrainian aims to help people in such circumstances.

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The Canadian job bank does have a section for newcomers to Canada and there is a link to “Jobs for Ukraine.” It’s the first time the job bank has a page directed to a specific group of newcomers. There is information for employers and Ukrainian job seekers, a service Borets is free to use.

“Find as many ways as possible to find a job,” she said, of her goals.

“My goal is to make my son happy, and I want my son to live in a country where there are no wars.”

Help Ukrainian is looking for more volunteers to assist with their career support efforts.

–With files from Danina Falkenberg