‘Stay strong’: Ukrainian refugee in Winnipeg shares hardships and hurdles

CTV’s Harrison Shin has the story of a Ukrainian family’s struggles in Manitoba as they adjust to their new life.

Three years after fleeing the war in Ukraine, a Winnipeg mother is fighting to bring comfort to her family—both in Canada and Ukraine.

Vikatoria Zamorskay fled the war with her two children and her husband, though her parents remain in Ukraine.

She calls her parents every morning to check in, but she said the connection does not always go through.

“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,” Zamorskay said.

Former emergency room doctor now assisting wildfire efforts

Zamorskay said her husband, who did not want to be identified, was an emergency room doctor in Ukraine.

Here in Canada, he is currently assisting the wildfire fight in northern Manitoba after completing a paramedic course.

“(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,” she said.

“He’s okay. Sometimes, firefighters they come back to the place where they live—not in a very good condition. Sometimes their legs are even broken.”

But even during his 12-hour shifts, Zamorskay said her husband is not giving up on practicing as a doctor 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,” Zamorskay said.

In a statement, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) said, in part, the organization “follows the framework of the Regulated Health Professions Act.

“The registration process varies for international medical graduates (IMGs) based on their education, training, experience, and path to licensure available to them.”

CPSM also said there are no fee reductions for IMGs available. However, several organizations in Manitoba, including the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office and Manitoba Start, offer support to IMGs while they pursue licensure in the province.

Joanne Lewdanosky, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’ Manitoba Provincial Council, said the province welcomed over 30,000 refugees since the start of the war.

“Some people have to do two and three jobs—yes, because they’re not getting full-time jobs ... so now, they have to pick up whatever they can,” Lewdanosky said.

“We have to try to give these people the tools. We run an office that helps them write their resumes, helps them find jobs as much as are available.”

Despite the challenges Zamorskay is facing, she would like to share a message with her fellow Ukrainians.

“Stay strong, believe in yourself, just be happy. Happy Independence Day,” she said.