
The Ukrainian Cultural and Community Hub will provide integrated, bilingual services focused on cultural preservation, employment and entrepreneurship in western Newfoundland.
Four years ago, a strong Ukrainian community in NL was not something many thought would ever be, but on February 24th, 2022 Russian President Vladimir Putin changed that when he invaded Ukraine, a war crime which continues today. Nearly three months later, the first group of Ukrainians arrived here to start a new home and today there are more than 4,000 living in the province.
In Corner Brook last night, Jobs, Immigration and Growth Minister Gerry Byrne announced more than $750,000 to establish the Ukrainian Cultural and Community Hub in this city. It will provide integrated, bilingual services focused on cultural preservation, employment and entrepreneurship in western Newfoundland. It will also feature gathering and childcare spaces, an office to support case management and integration services, and serve as the home of Ridna Shkola, a Ukrainian bilingual school offering youth programming, cultural events, and seasonal outdoor activities.
Byrne says there are over 400 Ukrainians now living in the Corner Brook area bringing so much with them. He says 90 percent of the Ukrainians who do arrive here chose to stay and make NL their home.