Stand with Ukraine October 19 2025 Update

Day 1,332 since February 24th, 2022 (1,335 день повномасштабної війни)

Day 4,256 since February 20th, 2014, Temporary Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation

Thank you to all who #StandWithUkraine

Greetings from Kamloops!

As October unfolds and we move deeper into autumn, I want to express gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment to standing with Ukraine. Today marks another important milestone in our community’s dedication to preserving Ukrainian culture and supporting those affected by the ongoing crisis.

In this update, we highlight critical opportunities for CUAET holders seeking permanent residency pathways, exciting educational initiatives at Thompson Rivers University, groundbreaking social work education frameworks, and the upcoming Ukrainian Roots Challenge 2026. Each initiative represents our community’s resilience and commitment to Ukrainian heritage and the future of displaced Ukrainians in Canada.

Please take a moment to read through the updates below and take action where you can. Your participation helps preserve Ukrainian culture and provides vital support to those who need it most.

Thank you for your continued solidarity. Together, we make a difference.

URGENT: TRU Trades Foundation Programs for Ukrainian Work Permit Holders

Application Deadline: October  2025

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is offering a unique, time-sensitive opportunity for Ukrainian residents in Canada who hold valid Canadian work permits and want to enter skilled trades to expand their future employment opportunities.

Program Overview

Starting in early 2026, TRU will open limited seats in several Trades Foundation programs. These programs run for approximately six months, after which graduates may begin working immediately with their valid work permit.

Who it’s for: Ukrainians in Canada with a valid Canadian work permit who want to start a career in the skilled trades

Programs: Trades foundation programs (entry-level training leading to in-demand jobs; no prior Canadian experience required)

Seats: Extremely limited. Interview required.

How to Express Interest  

Email zfeng@tru.ca with Subject: Ukraine Trades

Include:

• Your full name
• A copy of your Canadian work permit
• Your program(s) of interest

Admission Requirements

Eligibility:

• High school graduation
• English language proficiency (tests can be done at TRU)
• Valid work permit in Canada

Tuition & Scholarships:

• International tuition fees: approximately $14,000 – $24,000 CAD
• $5,000 entry scholarship available for admitted students (up to 10 scholarships available)

Study Permit Requirement:

• Students must apply for a study permit to enroll
• Work hours may be reduced during studies under study permit regulations
• Approval of a study permit does not cancel your existing work permit
• TRU will provide free study permit application services for these students

Available Programs

Programs include Electrician, Residential Construction (Carpenter Enhanced), Refrigeration Mechanic, Horticulture, Millwright, Plumbing and Piping Foundation, Meatcutter, Welder, Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Mechanical Foundation, and Power Engineering 4th Class across Kamloops, Williams Lake, and Nor Kam campuses.

Start dates range from April 2026 through February 2027, with 2-8 reserved seats per program.

For more information: https://www.tru.ca/trades/trades-programs.html

Contact: ZiPing Feng, Chief International Enrolment Officer at zfeng@tru.ca

CRITICAL: Pathway to Permanent Residence for CUAET Visa Holders

UCC Policy Recommendations to Minister Metlege Diab

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) has submitted crucial policy recommendations to the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, PC, MP, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, calling for a Temporary Public Policy (TPP) to provide a pathway to permanent residence for eligible CUAET visa holders and their families.

The Situation

Since February 24, 2022, approximately 300,000 Ukrainians arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. Best estimates suggest that fewer than half remain in Canada today. These individuals face:

• Uncertainty about their future as work permits expire and renewal timelines vary
• Employment challenges as Canadian employers are reluctant to offer long-term opportunities to those with temporary status
• Psychological stress from not knowing if or when the war will end, or if they can remain in Canada
• Limited access to existing PR pathways due to age, language requirements, lack of Canadian credentials, or program closures

Many CUAET holders have been working legally in Canada for over three years, contributing to the economy, paying taxes, filling labour shortages, and integrating into Canadian communities—yet face obstacles in securing permanent residence.

Key UCC Recommendations

1. Temporary Public Policy (TPP) Pathway for Permanent Residence

The UCC recommends that the Minister approve a TPP similar to the Hong Kong PR pathway, with qualifying applicants who:

• Hold a valid CUAET visa providing temporary resident status in Canada
• Are physically present in Canada when applying for and receiving permanent residence
• Demonstrate an intention to live in Canada
• Achieve a Level 4 score in all 4 skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in English or French—reflecting the level required for citizenship and appropriate for many working-age Ukrainians
• Have been working legally in Canada for at least 12 months full-time (30 hours per week) or equivalent part-time hours (1,560 hours total), or can provide equivalent proof of income for the 3 years before PR application

The UCC also recommends permitting applicants to apply for an open work permit while waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed, and reinstating IRCC-funded Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) settlement services for CUAET visa holders for a three-year period.

2. Increased Provincial Nominee Allocations

The UCC recommends increasing provincial nominee allocations across Canada, allowing provincial governments to develop streams designed to meet specific economic labour requirements—following successful models like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Ukraine Special Measures.

Why This Matters

• 69% of Canadians support more permanent residency pathways for Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s genocidal war (October 2025 Abacus Data survey commissioned by UCC)
• 81% of Canadians prefer that Ukrainians be able to stay long-term
• 80% agree that fuller integration benefits both newcomers and Canadian communities
• Canada has precedent for compassionate action—the Hong Kong PR pathway provided similar support for those fleeing political repression

Current PR Application Challenges

As of May 31, 2025, CUAET visa holders submitted approximately 31,845 PR applications, but only 12,055 have been processed and relatively few approved:

• Express Entry (Economic Class): Requires higher language levels (Levels 5-7), Canadian work experience, and credentials many Ukrainians lost or cannot easily verify
• Family Reunification TPP: Closed October 22, 2024 despite community requests for extension; only 1,540 of 25,500 applications approved
• Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: Extremely slow processing; only 2,050 of 16,495 applications approved

For more details: https://www.ucc.ca/2025/10/16/ucc-policy-recommendations-to-minister-metlege-diab-ircc-october-16-2025/

ACTION REQUIRED: Sign E-Petition e-6866

Support Permanent Residency Pathways for CUAET and Emergency Immigration Program Holders

Petition Status: Open for signature until February 12, 2026, at 1:14 p.m. (EDT)

Initiated by John Stadnyk from Calgary, Alberta, this petition to the House of Commons calls on the Government of Canada to establish a dedicated, one-time permanent residency pathway for those currently in Canada under CUAET and other temporary emergency immigration measures.

Why Sign?

Thousands of individuals who arrived under CUAET and comparable humanitarian measures have legally lived and worked in Canada for over three years, contributing to the economy, paying taxes, filling labour shortages, and integrating into Canadian communities. Yet many cannot access permanent residency through existing programs due to:

• Reduced provincial nomination quotas
• Age-based disadvantages in points systems
• Ineligibility of critical occupations
• Limited or closed humanitarian and family reunification PR programs

The Petition’s Request

The petition respectfully encourages the government to consider reasonable eligibility factors such as:

• Legal residence in Canada for at least three of the past four years
• Canadian work experience: at least one year in a provincially designated critical occupation, or at least two years in other legal employment or self-employment
• Ongoing economic activity (e.g., job offer or proof of continuing self-employment)
• Basic language and education requirements (e.g., high school education, CELPIP 4–5 based on TEER)
• At least one indicator of integration (e.g., dependent children in school, Canadian relatives, education, professional development, or volunteering)

Canada Has Precedent

Canada previously introduced time-limited permanent residency pathways for individuals from regions facing political or humanitarian crises—such as the 2021 PR program for Hong Kong residents—demonstrating precedent for compassionate, targeted action.

Sign the Petition

Add your voice: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-6866

Deadline: February 12, 2026

Your signature demonstrates that Canadians support providing stability and recognition for those who have contributed to our communities during this humanitarian crisis.

Revolutionary Social Work Education: Dr. Kondrashov’s BSW & MSW Frameworks

Seeking University Partners for Accessible, Community-Grounded Programs

Dr. Oleksandr Kondrashov has developed complete BSW and MSW program frameworks that transform social work education from exclusive residential programs into accessible, community-grounded cohort models—breaking barriers for students who cannot relocate while maintaining educational excellence.

The Access Crisis These Frameworks Address

Traditional social work programs create systemic barriers:

• Geographic: Students in rural, remote, and Northern communities cannot relocate; Indigenous students must leave land, language, and community
• Financial: Relocation costs exclude working adults; full-time study incompatible with employment
• Cultural: Indigenous students face institutional environments disconnected from community; newcomers lose settlement support networks
• Family: Parents and caregivers cannot balance education with responsibilities
• Employment: Working professionals cannot advance careers without leaving employment

The On/Off-the-Ground Solution

BSW On/Off-the-Ground Cohort Model

• 18 complete course frameworks | 60 credit hours | 7 semesters
• 156 weekly module topics with Social GRACES integration
• Complete CASWE-ACFTS 2021 EPAS alignment
• Five delivery models: on-ground, blended, high-tech cohort, 100% online, hybrid-flexible
• Investment: $19,999 CAD (saving 95-96% vs. traditional development costs)

MSW On/Off-the-Ground Cohort Model

• 12 complete course frameworks | 36 credit hours | 3-6 semesters
• 96+ weekly module topics with integrated learning objectives
• Dual pathway design: therapy-focused OR elective-focused routes
• Optional professional registration alignment (BCCSW, BCACC RCC)
• Investment: $19,999 CAD (saving 95-96% vs. traditional development costs)

Why This Matters

For Students:

• Access without geographic, financial, cultural, or family barriers removed
• Career advancement without leaving current work
• Cohort learning with diverse peers

For Universities:

• 12-24 month implementation vs. 3-6 year traditional development
• Accreditation-ready curriculum refined across 5,717+ students over 20 years
• Financial sustainability models included

For Communities:

• Social workers trained in and for their own communities
• Reduced brain drain from underserved regions
• Anti-oppressive, decolonized practice addressing community needs

Seeking University Partners

Dr. Kondrashov is seeking universities ready to:

• Establish new BSW/MSW programs prioritizing access for underserved populations
• Transform existing programs to expand delivery modes and geographic reach
• Serve rural, remote, Indigenous, or newcomer communities
• Decolonize social work education

For framework purchase, university partnerships, and customization inquiries:

Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov
📧 krasun@gmail.com | 🌐 www.krasun.ca

Learn more:

• BSW Framework: https://krasun.ca/product/bsw-on-off-the-ground-cohort-model/
• MSW Framework: https://krasun.ca/product/msw-on-off-the-ground-cohort-model/
• Complete Overview: https://krasun.ca/2025/10/13/dr-oleksandr-kondrashovs-bsw-msw-on-off-the-ground-cohort-models-complete-overview/

Specialized Social Work Education: Dr. Kondrashov’s Six-Volume Series

60 Specializations, 321 Courses—Seeking Universities to Offer Pathways

Dr. Kondrashov’s six comprehensive volumes contain 60 specialized social work pathways (10 specializations per volume), developed over 20 years through collaborative teaching with 6,000+ students across Canadian universities.

The Complete Framework

Volume 1: Foundational Direct Practice and Vulnerable Populations (52 courses)

• Child welfare, early childhood development, school and youth development, student success, family systems, aging, LGBTQ+ support, family violence, crisis intervention, trauma-informed practice

Volume 2: Advanced Clinical Practice and Health Integration (46 courses)

• Grief and end-of-life, clinical mental health, healthcare social work, specialized health conditions, reproductive and sexual health, gerontological social work, dementia care, addiction treatment, harm reduction, digital addiction

Volume 3: Justice-Oriented Practice and Systemic Transformation (50 courses)

• Forensic and criminal justice, military and veterans, human trafficking, community development, rural and international practice, immigration and refugees, disaster response, anti-racism, Indigenous social work, gender justice

Volume 4: Inclusive Innovation and Community-Centered Transformation (50 courses)

• Disability justice, assistive technology, housing justice, financial social work, food justice and environmental social work, language justice, creative arts therapies, mindfulness, narrative practice, spirituality

Volume 5: Professional Excellence and Infrastructure Development (50 courses)

• Clinical supervision, innovation and future practice, private practice, research methods, policy analysis, Canadian social welfare history, program management, human behavior foundations, communication and group practice, generalist practice

Volume 6: Ethical Complexity and Holistic Justice (62 courses)

• Professional ethics, systems change, advanced contemporary practice, global health equity, health data and AI ethics, community health advocacy, applied health research, crisis and trauma, neurodiversity and mental health, dignity and economic justice

Why Universities Should Offer These Specializations

For Students:

• Minimum $50,000 starting salaries as specialized practitioners
• $5,000-$27,000 annual salary premium over generalist roles
• Career advancement pathways into leadership, supervision, research, policy roles

For Universities:

• 60 specialized pathways making programs distinctive and attractive
• Student-driven curriculum serving diverse populations
• Field education integration strengthening agency partnerships
• Pool of qualified instructors from Dr. Kondrashov’s former students

For Communities:

• Culturally responsive services grounded in local knowledge
• Indigenous leadership centered throughout curriculum
• Sustainable capacity as graduates become teachers

Seeking University Partners

Dr. Kondrashov is seeking universities ready to offer these specializations as mini-credentials, stackable certificates, or integrated program components.

When your university commits, you gain:

• 321 ready-made courses across 60 specializations
• Access to former students eager to teach these courses
• Ongoing curriculum support and updates
• Distinctive programming attracting students
• Community-responsive education improving employment outcomes

For inquiries:

Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov
📧 krasun@gmail.com | 🌐 www.krasun.ca

Learn more:

• Complete Overview: https://krasun.ca/2025/10/13/dr-oleksandr-kondrashovs-six-volume-series-a-concise-overview/
• Volume 1-6 available at: https://krasun.ca/shop/

Ukrainian Roots Challenge 2026: Cultural Resistance Meets Direct Action

Registration Opens January 2026 | Challenge Begins February, 2026

How Sharing Your Story and Learning Ukrainian Can Support Ukraine’s Fight for Survival

The war didn’t just change borders. It changed what it means to be Ukrainian.

Since February 24, 2022, Russia has targeted more than Ukrainian territory—it has targeted Ukrainian identity, language, and culture itself. Moscow’s strategy has always been clear: erase Ukrainian distinctiveness, claim our language is “just a dialect,” insist our culture doesn’t deserve to exist separately.

Introducing the Ukrainian Roots Challenge 2026

A 12-week video storytelling initiative starting February 2026 that combines cultural resistance with direct support for Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

We’re inviting Ukrainian diaspora members worldwide—and everyone learning Ukrainian in solidarity—to participate in a unique program that:

1. Preserves Ukrainian Stories
Create a permanent digital archive proving Ukrainian culture is vibrant, diverse, and unbreakable—no matter what Russia tries to destroy.

2. Builds Global Ukrainian Community
Connect heritage speakers, newly displaced families, language learners, and supporters worldwide through shared storytelling.

3. Directly Supports Ukraine’s Armed Forces
Every participant commits to finding meaningful ways to donate to Ukrainian military support during their 12-week journey.

How It Works: Stories + Support

The Storytelling Component

Participants create 12 weekly videos exploring their Ukrainian roots:

• Week 1: My Ukrainian Connection
• Week 2: Family Migration Story
• Week 3: Ukrainian Words I Grew Up With
• Week 4: Food Memories
• Week 5: Ukrainian Music and Songs
• Week 6: Family Photos and Objects
• Week 7: Ukrainian Traditions in My Family
• Week 8: Names and Their Stories
• Week 9: Places That Matter
• Week 10: Language Journey
• Week 11: Preserving Heritage
• Week 12: My Ukrainian Future

Three Levels, One Mission:

🌱 SPROUT (15-60 seconds): Perfect for beginners or busy schedules
🌿 BRANCH (60-120 seconds): Comfortable middle ground for storytelling with context
🌳 ROOT (120-360 seconds): Deep storytelling for detailed family histories

The Support Component

Every participant commits to supporting Ukraine’s Armed Forces throughout their 12-week journey through weekly donations, subscriber fundraising, video sponsorship, final fundraiser campaigns, or skills-based contributions (translation, design, technical support for Ukrainian organizations).

Who This Is For

• Established Ukrainian Diaspora (2nd-4th Generation): Your borsch recipe, your grandmother’s embroidered pillowcase, the Ukrainian lullaby you half-remember—these are acts of cultural survival worth documenting
• New Ukrainian Diaspora (Post-2022 Displacement): Your experience of displacement and resilience is Ukrainian history happening in real-time
• Ukrainian Language Learners and Supporters: Every non-Ukrainian who learns the language is a living refutation of Russian propaganda
• Ukrainian Heritage Speakers Reconnecting: Your return to Ukrainian matters—you’re proof that Ukrainian identity can be reclaimed

Recognition and Community

Subscriber-Based Recognition:

• 10+ subscribers: Participation certificate + cultural resources
• 50+ subscribers: Featured in challenge highlights
• 100+ subscribers: Grand prize eligibility + “Community Builder” award

Story-Based Awards (Regardless of Subscriber Count):

• Most Inspiring Family Story
• Best Use of Ukrainian Language (by level)
• Most Creative Storytelling
• Outstanding Cultural Preservation
• Strongest Act of Cultural Resistance
• Greatest Support Impact

Timeline for 2026

• October-December 2025: Preparation & community consultation
• January 2026: Registration opens
• February, 2026: Challenge begins (marking 4 years since the invasion)
• February-April 2026: 12-week journey with weekly videos and support
• May 2026: Celebration, impact assessment, digital archive launch

Get Involved

Email: drokacademy@gmail.com
Hashtag: #UkrainianRootsChallenge2026

Learn more: https://krasun.ca/2025/10/04/ukrainian-roots-challenge-2026-cultural-resistance-meets-direct-action/

Why This Matters

Every public Ukrainian story is resistance. When you post your video on YouTube, you:

🌍 Prove Ukrainian culture exists globally
📚 Create permanent evidence Russia cannot erase
👥 Build community with Ukrainians and supporters worldwide
💪 Show Russia that Ukrainian identity grows stronger under pressure
🇺🇦 Honor those fighting on the front lines by defending culture at home

Your story matters. Your voice is resistance. Your participation is action.

Weekly Stand with Ukraine Gatherings

Join us every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at Kamloops City Hall for our weekly Stand with Ukraine gatherings. Participants can send postcards to Ukraine and show continued support for Ukrainian defenders and civilians.

Thank you to Michele for leading this vital community initiative. Her dedication ensures that our voices of support reach those who need to know they are not forgotten.

Looking Forward

As we continue our journey together, I encourage you to:

• Express interest in TRU Trades programs if eligible (deadline October 2026)
• Sign E-Petition e-6866 supporting PR pathways for CUAET holders
• Share information about Dr. Kondrashov’s BSW/MSW frameworks with university contacts
• Connect interested universities with specialized social work pathway opportunities
• Register for the Ukrainian Roots Challenge 2026 when registration opens in January
• Join our weekly Saturday gatherings at City Hall
• Support Ukrainian cultural events and initiatives

Your continued participation and support make a meaningful difference in preserving Ukrainian heritage and supporting those affected by the war

Eternal Memory

Please, when possible, take a moment of silence to remember the victims of war in Ukraine.

Вічная Пам’ять героям / Eternal memory to heroes

With respect,

Sasha

Stand with Ukraine. Preserve culture. Support defenders. Build community.

🇺🇦 Слава Україні! Героям слава! 💙💛