When political turmoil in Ukraine led to economic upheaval, Oksana Taran knew she would have to leave for another country—and found a new life in Canada.
At 36 years old, Oksana moved to Canada with her husband and child. When she arrived in Winnipeg, she was struck by the friendliness of its citizens and the beauty of her surroundings—but she worried about finding a job.
A native Russian speaker, she started practising English daily and eventually secured a volunteer position, which helped her get a reference for her first job. Six years on, she is on her fifth job as an administrative assistant.
Canada’s population growth currently depends on immigration; roughly 80 per cent of it stems from newcomers, with that number expected to rise to 90 per cent in 30 years.