New home, new life: Ukrainian woman lands in Winnipeg

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This article was published 05/04/2022 (997 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE last time Tetiana Maksymtsiv’s flight touched down in Winnipeg, her mind was filled with the ambition of one day making this prairie city her new home. Though she didn’t know that dream would come true as soon as it did, nor could she imagine the circumstances that would set the events in motion.

The 39-year-old fled her home city of Ivano-Frankivsk, in western Ukraine in late February. Shelling from Russian forces drove Maksymtsiv and her sister and nephew to board a bus to Krakow, Poland; the starting point for Maksymtsiv’s journey to Canada.

After three flights that spanned 30 hours, Maksymtsiv — along with a few bags, everything she brought from home — arrived safely in Winnipeg Wednesday night.

“This should have been the happiest moment in my life, but the war in Ukraine spoiled some of this feeling,” Maksymtsiv said.

Her thoughts turned to family and friends still in Ukraine during her first few moments in Winnipeg. Maksymtsiv’s husband, Yaroslav, is still in Ukraine. Men aged 18 to 60 must remain in the country under martial law. He also stayed behind to care for his elderly parents.

“Relatively, they are OK,” she said.

Then her thoughts turned to work. Maksymtsiv, an accountant, carved out time between connecting flights to check clients’ emails; she answered their questions about taxes and financial reports.

“A lot to do and a lot to be afraid of,” Maksymtsiv said. “We have a lot of bombardments, a lot of missiles, a lot of siren warnings.”

Maksymtsiv has an open work permit and is eager to continue with her accounting career. She’s been accepted into the Manitoba provincial nominee program and hopes to apply for permanent residency as soon as possible.

She’ll stay at an AirBnB for the time being, before seeking out her own residence where her husband will one day join her.

Maksymtsiv’s friend, 41-year-old Dmytro Malyk was waiting for her at the Winnipeg airport Wednesday evening. He stood holding a care package of comfort items assembled by a retired Winnipeg teacher who had heard Maksymtsiv’s story.

The pair met through work when Malyk was living in Ukraine. Malyk, who moved to Canada in 2014, is a volunteer with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Manitoba branch. There, he helps with immigration initiatives, such as the provincial nominee program.

He also facilitates trips in which Ukrainians come to Manitoba, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether they would like to move here. Maksymtsiv first came to Manitoba in November of last year as part of this offering.

Wednesday’s arrival in Winnipeg didn’t come with a return ticket, as Maksymtsiv is now home.

“I’m happy to be here and start my new life,” she said.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca