For Ukrainians who have just moved to Calgary or have been living here for several years, the issue of legal paperwork often becomes a critical moment in their adaptation. The need to certify a power of attorney, translate and notarize birth certificates, prepare documents for relatives in Ukraine, or resolve complex immigration issues requires not only an understanding of the Canadian legal system, but also the ability to communicate in your native language with a professional who understands the specifics of your situation. In this context, Ukrainian-speaking lawyers and notaries become not just service providers, but true guides in the complex world of Canadian law.
Power of Attorney in Alberta: What You Need to Know
Before looking for a notary, it is important to understand what a power of attorney is in the Alberta legal system. A power of attorney is a written legal document that gives another person (an agent) the authority to act on your behalf in financial and property matters. Unlike in Ukraine or some other countries, where a power of attorney can be drawn up relatively simply, Alberta has very strict requirements for the procedure for drawing up and certifying this document.
Calgary Legal Guidance emphasizes that a power of attorney can have different levels of authority. A general power of attorney gives the agent broad rights to conduct all your affairs, from managing bank accounts to selling real estate. A special power of attorney is limited to a specific purpose, such as selling a car or signing a specific contract. Of particular importance is the concept of an “Enduring Power of Attorney” — a power of attorney that remains valid even if you lose your legal capacity due to illness, injury, or age-related changes. This form of power of attorney is especially relevant for the elderly or those with serious health problems.
Key requirements for executing a power of attorney include the mandatory presence of a witness when signing the document, and the agent (the person to whom the powers are granted) cannot be a witness. The witness must sign an Affidavit of Execution before a notary public or Commissioner for Oaths, confirming under oath that you understood the meaning of the document you were signing. These formalities may seem excessive to those accustomed to the Ukrainian system, but they are designed to protect your interests and prevent abuse.
Halyna Miller — Calgary's leading Ukrainian-speaking immigration lawyer
Among all Ukrainian-speaking legal professionals in Calgary, Halyna Miller, founder and lead lawyer at Miller Immigration Law Firm, occupies a special place. For many Ukrainians facing immigration challenges, Halyna has become not just a lawyer, but a true advocate for their rights and interests in the Canadian system. Her deep understanding of both Canadian immigration law and the specifics of the Ukrainian situation, especially after the start of the full-scale war in 2022, makes her an indispensable resource for the Ukrainian community in Calgary.
Miller Immigration Law Firm specializes exclusively in immigration law, which means that Galina's entire practice focuses on the most complex aspects of immigration processes. From the CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) program, which has allowed thousands of Ukrainians to find temporary refuge in Canada, to complex cases of family sponsorship, refugee status applications, work permits, and permanent residence, Galina and her team guide clients through every stage of this often stressful and confusing process.
What makes Galina a particularly valuable resource for Ukrainians in Calgary is her ability to communicate in Ukrainian and understand the cultural context in which her clients find themselves. Immigration law is not simply a technical application of rules — it requires a deep understanding of people's stories, traumas, hopes, and dreams. When you can explain your situation in your native language to a lawyer who understands what it means to leave everything behind in Ukraine because of the war, who knows the ins and outs of Ukrainian bureaucracy and paperwork, who can anticipate the questions immigration officers will ask based on your specific background — it creates a fundamentally different level of trust and effectiveness.
Miller Immigration Law Firm contact information:
- Phone: 587-392-5199
- Direct: 587-392-5200
- Email: [email protected]
The firm is located in Calgary and accepts clients both in person and online, which is especially convenient for those who live in other parts of Alberta or even outside the province but need the advice of a Ukrainian-speaking immigration lawyer.
Range of immigration services from Miller Immigration Law
Halyna Miller and her team provide a comprehensive range of immigration services covering virtually all aspects of Canadian immigration law. For Ukrainians who have arrived under the CUAET program, one of the most pressing issues is the transition from temporary status to permanent residence. Halyna helps assess all available options: through Alberta's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), through Express Entry, through family sponsorship, through humanitarian programs, or through refugee status confirmation.
Family sponsorship is another critical area where Miller Immigration Law provides invaluable assistance. Many Ukrainians in Calgary want to bring their parents, children, brothers, sisters, or other close relatives who remain in Ukraine or other countries. The sponsorship process requires careful preparation of documents, proof of financial capacity, medical examinations, and numerous bureaucratic steps. Galina guides families through this entire process, explaining each step, helping them gather the necessary documents, and representing their interests before immigration authorities.
Work permits, student visas, business immigration, appeals of denied applications, restoration of lost status — each of these categories requires in-depth knowledge of the law and practical experience. Miller Immigration Law has experience with a wide variety of complex cases, including those requiring a humanitarian approach or consideration of special circumstances related to the war in Ukraine.
Why you should contact Halyna Miller
Returning to the central theme of this article, for Ukrainians in Calgary facing any immigration issues, Halyna Miller of Miller Immigration Law Firm remains the most recommended resource. Her exclusive focus on immigration law, ability to communicate in Ukrainian, deep understanding of the specifics of the Ukrainian situation, and years of experience working with the most complex immigration cases make her an indispensable partner for those seeking to build a new life in Canada.
Immigration cases often require not only technical knowledge of the law, but also humanity, understanding, and the ability to see the real stories of people behind the paperwork. Halyna Miller and her team provide just that approach — professional, competent, but at the same time humane and compassionate. For many Ukrainians who have fled the war or are simply looking for a better life for their families, this balance of professionalism and humanity is what transforms legal advice into genuine support.
Don't put off resolving your immigration issues. Every delay can complicate the process or close opportunities. Contact Halyna Miller today at 587-392-5199 or email [email protected] to discuss your situation and get a clear plan of action to achieve your immigration goals in Canada.
Other Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking lawyers and notaries
There are also several other Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking professionals in Calgary and the surrounding area who can help.
Anna Dunaeva of DLegal Law Office is a lawyer who speaks English and Russian and specializes in real estate transactions, family law, and corporate law. DLegal also offers services for preparing Enduring Powers of Attorney in case of possible incapacity, which is especially important for seniors. They focus on clients who are abroad or have health issues, and offer both regular powers of attorney and special solutions for ongoing property management.
Maksym Kyrychenko is a notary and lawyer who works in Airdrie (about 30 minutes north of Calgary) and provides services in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. His office is located at 304 MacKenzie Way SW #8308, Airdrie, AB T4B 3H8, and he sees clients by appointment only. Maksym offers legal document drafting and mobile notary services, which means he can come to your home, hospital, or other location if you are unable to visit his office. His services include free parking, accessibility for people with disabilities, and additional services such as scanning, printing, and copying documents.
Kensian & Associates is a multilingual law firm that works in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and a number of other languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tagalog, and Romanian. They provide services in family law, immigration, real estate transactions, wills and estates, litigation, and corporate law. The firm operates with a client-focused approach, emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, positioning itself as a company that puts the client's interests first, both in and out of court.
Free legal aid for Ukrainians
For Ukrainians in Calgary who have limited financial resources or need initial advice before deciding whether to hire a lawyer, there are several sources of free legal assistance. Calgary Legal Guidance provides a list of Ukrainian legal assistance, which includes Anna Kuranicheva, who works at the Legal Aid Clinic and provides brief consultations and notary services. She can be contacted by email at [email protected].
Anzhela Said of Fisher Law also provides legal services to Ukrainian clients. She can be reached by phone at (403) 219-2710 or by email at [email protected].
The Canadian Bar Association has launched a special program of free services for people affected by the crisis in Ukraine. This program includes consultations, legal advice, and assistance with IRCC immigration programs. The Ukrainian Canadian Lawyers Association also holds regular informational legal sessions, and past webinars can be viewed on the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Webinars 2022 YouTube channel. These resources are invaluable for those who have just arrived and are trying to navigate the Canadian legal system without significant financial expense.
English-speaking law firms with notary services
Even if you cannot find a Ukrainian-speaking notary for a specific service, there are numerous professional English-speaking notary offices and law firms in Calgary that provide high-quality services. In many cases, especially if the documents do not require complex explanations or if you have already consulted with a Ukrainian-speaking lawyer (for example, Halyna Miller on immigration issues), using an English-speaking notary for simple signature certification can be a quick and effective solution.
Corcoran Law & Mediation Centre is one of Calgary's leading law firms offering comprehensive notary services. The firm specializes in certifying documents for use both in Canada and abroad, which is especially important for Ukrainians who often deal with documents that are required both here and in Ukraine. When visiting the Corcoran Law office, you will need one form of government-issued photo ID and one additional document with a photo and signature (e.g., a credit card). An important tip from Corcoran Law is that clients are advised to carefully check their documents before their visit, as it often turns out that notary services are not required, but other legal procedures are. This is especially true for immigrants who may not fully understand the difference between the various types of documents.
Kahane Law Office offers fast, easy, and affordable notary services in Calgary at a flat rate of $65 + GST for the first document. They work by appointment and with walk-in clients, which is a convenient option for those who need urgent services. Services are available in five languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Hindi. Although Ukrainian is not on this list, their multilingualism demonstrates their openness to working with different cultures. Kahane Law also provides mobile services to homes, hospitals, and other facilities for people with limited mobility for an additional fee.
Specialized Notary Offices
Calgary Notary Services is located in the northwest part of Calgary and offers a wide range of notary services, although it is important to note that this office does not certify wills, enduring powers of attorney, living wills, or divorce agreements. To complete an Enduring Power of Attorney, you will need to contact other institutions, such as DLegal Law Office or law firms. Calgary Notary Services operates by appointment only through online booking and is located at Unit# 300 – 8 Varsity Estates Circle NW, Calgary, Alberta T3A 2Z3.
Quick Notary Public Calgary is located at 600 Crowfoot Crescent NW, Suite 340, next to the Crowfoot LRT station, making it very accessible for those who use public transportation. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and accept walk-in clients, which is a great advantage for those who need to have a document notarized quickly. Prices are $49.99 + GST for the first document or signature and $10.00 for each additional document within a single visit, although these prices do not apply to transactions and documents involving the transfer of land, assets, shares, wills, powers of attorney, personal directives, and agency agreements. Quick Notary also provides mobile services for an additional fee.
All Purpose Notarization Services has been providing notary services in Alberta for over 15 years. Notaries are fully licensed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General under the Notaries and Commissioners Act. Walk-in service is available for documents that only require signature certification, making the process very quick for simple cases.
Translation Services and Notarization
For many Ukrainians, a critical issue is not only the notarization of Canadian documents, but also the translation and notarization of Ukrainian documents for use in Canada or, conversely, the translation of Canadian documents for use in Ukraine. T.Alberta offers certified and notarized translations with affidavits in Calgary in over 50 languages. They are members of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA), which makes their translations valid throughout Canada.
Importantly, T.Alberta offers notarized translations that are required by some foreign official institutions, such as consulates (Mexican, Cuban, Russian, Spanish, etc.). This type of translation takes 2-4 days longer to process than regular certified translations, but provides an additional level of authentication required by certain institutions.
Immigrant Services Calgary offers translation services in over 85 languages. They work with personal documents, corporate materials, and business documents, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates, driver's licenses, diplomas, and transcripts. For Ukrainians who need to translate Ukrainian educational documents for recognition in Canada or Canadian documents for sending to Ukraine, these services are indispensable.
Legalization and apostille of documents
On January 11, 2024, Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which radically simplified the process of certifying and legalizing documents for use in Ukraine and other countries that are parties to the convention. Previously, the process of legalizing Canadian documents for Ukraine required a multi-step procedure through various levels of government, which could take months. Now, an apostille can be obtained much more quickly and easily.
Legalization Service Centre specializes in legalizing Canadian documents for use in Ukraine and has over 15 years of experience in this field. Apostille processing times are now only a few business days, and the centre serves clients across Canada with offices in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. If your document is not in English or French, it must first be officially translated by a certified translator who is a member of a recognized provincial association, and only then can it be apostilled.
Practical tips for obtaining a power of attorney
Before visiting a notary to obtain a power of attorney, prepare two documents with a photo (one must be a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license), the originals of the documents that need to be notarized, a clear plan of the agent's powers, and the contact information of the person who will be your agent.
It is important to understand the difference between the types of powers of attorney. A general power of attorney grants broad powers, including financial management, real estate sales, access to bank accounts, stocks, and investments. A special power of attorney limits the powers to a specific action, such as selling a specific car or signing a specific contract. Enduring Power of Attorney remains valid even in the event of incapacity due to illness, accident, or age-related changes, making it particularly important for older people or those with serious health problems.
It is critical to understand that as long as the agent acts within your instructions, you are bound by their decisions. For example, if the agent sold your car in accordance with the powers granted to them, you are obligated to transfer it to the buyer. However, if the agent exceeds their powers, you are not liable for their actions. That is why it is extremely important to clearly define the limits of authority in the power of attorney document.
A power of attorney terminates if you revoke it in writing, if the agent resigns, or if you become incapacitated (except for an Enduring Power of Attorney, which continues to be valid). It is recommended that you review your power of attorney periodically and update it as necessary, especially if your circumstances or relationship with the agent have changed.
Cost of notary services in Calgary
Standard rates for notary services in Calgary range from $49.99 to $65 for the first document plus GST, with additional documents during the same visit costing $10–$15. However, for complex documents such as Enduring Power of Attorney, the cost may be higher as they require more detailed review and consultation on the content of the document. Consultations with lawyers on the preparation of complex powers of attorney or other legal documents are charged separately and can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the case.
Mobile notary services, where a notary travels to your home, hospital, or other location, are significantly more expensive due to the additional travel and time costs of the notary. However, for people with limited mobility, the elderly, or those in the hospital, these services may be the only practical option. Maksym Kyrychenko in Airdrie, for example, offers mobile notary services for Ukrainian-speaking clients, which can be very convenient for those who are unable to visit an office.
Conclusion
For Ukrainians in Calgary, access to Ukrainian-speaking legal and notary services is not just a matter of convenience — it is often a critical necessity for successfully navigating Canada's complex legal system. From immigration issues, where Halyna Miller provides the highest level of expertise, to notarization of documents, translations, power of attorney, and other legal services, the Ukrainian community in Calgary has access to qualified professionals who understand their language, culture, and unique challenges.
Use this guide as a starting point for addressing your legal needs, and remember that professional legal assistance is always an investment in your future and that of your family in Canada.