Are there any hotlines for Ukrainians in Canada?

In today's world, where millions of Ukrainians have been forced to seek refuge in different countries due to military action, Canada has proven to be one of the most responsible countries, providing comprehensive support to refugees and displaced persons. In addition to official government programs and measures, the country has established an extensive network of hotlines specifically designed to assist Ukrainians. These services cover a wide range of needs: from legal advice to psychological support, from assistance with finding housing to integration into Canadian society.

Legal support through hotlines

Free legal advice from Pro Bono Ontario

One of the most important hotlines is the Canadian Legal Support for Ukrainians service provided by Pro Bono Ontario. This service is available at 1-877-873-7875 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday through Thursday. Assistance is available in three languages: Ukrainian, English, and French.

The hotline focuses on immigration-related issues, but also provides assistance and referrals for other legal issues related to resettlement, such as housing or employment issues. Callers can speak directly with a lawyer and receive help in determining the nature of their legal issues, advice on steps they can take, and assistance in drafting basic legal documents for use in the Canadian justice system.

The service is available to people from Ukraine or family members of people from Ukraine who are inside or outside Canada, seeking entry into Canada or permission to remain in Canada. Assistance with questions regarding the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, entry into Canada, extending stays in Canada, obtaining or renewing work or study permits is particularly important.

Government hotlines and support services

Federal services Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

The Canadian federal government has set up a special telephone line and web form to prioritize immigration-related questions from people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. To use the web form, you must add the keyword “Ukraine2022” at the end of your description of the situation.

For those who need direct contact, the number +1-613-321-4243 is available and accepts collect calls. This number is especially useful for Canadian citizens abroad or for Ukrainians who need advice on immigration programs.

Provincial support services in Alberta

Alberta has a well-developed support system for Ukrainians through Alberta Supports. The main service number is 1-877-644-9992, which operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Assistance is available in Ukrainian and over 100 other languages. For emergency financial situations, there is a 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135. There is also a special line for people with hearing impairments: 1-800-855-0511 (toll-free in Alberta).

In addition, the organization Ukrainians in Alberta provides support via email at [email protected] and has an active Telegram channel in Ukrainian to disseminate current information.

Specialized provincial hotlines

British Columbia

The British Columbia government has launched a special Service BC hotline at 1-800-663-7867, available daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The hotline provides translation services in Ukrainian, Russian, and 140 other languages.

This line has two main functions: it helps people arriving from Ukraine find and access necessary services such as employment, health care, housing, and education; it coordinates British Columbians who want to volunteer or donate to help displaced Ukrainians.

In addition, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has launched a special Ukrainian-language helpline at 1 (888) 721 0596 Ext. 5, available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. This service is specifically targeted at the Ukrainian-speaking community, especially newcomers to the province who arrived under the CUAET program.

Ontario

The Ontario government has launched a special hotline 1-888-562-4769 and email address [email protected] to connect newcomers with job search support and local employers in the community. This initiative aims to quickly integrate Ukrainians into the province's labor market.

Psychological and emotional support

Nationwide mental health support

Canada has an extensive mental health support system for Ukrainians. The number 211 provides access to community resources and social services, including mental health and addiction issues. Ukrainian and Russian interpretation is available when calling 211. Kids Help Phone has expanded its services to provide free 24-hour telephone counselling in Russian and Ukrainian. To access services in these languages, young newcomers can call 1-800-668-6868 and press 3 to connect with a counsellor.

Provincial Mental Health Programs

In Alberta, the Mental Health Helpline is available at 1-877-303-2642. The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) offers educational workshops, counseling, and information to help overcome mental health challenges.

In British Columbia, Ukrainian and Russian interpretation is available by calling 310-6789 or 2-1-1. The Mental Health Foundation offers the Hope4Ukraine program, a free mental health text resource.

In Manitoba, Ukrainians can speak with a system navigator to connect to the best mental health support by calling 431-489-1728 (English) or 204-804-3626 (English/Ukrainian/Russian).

Community organizations and their hotlines

Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC)

The national organization Ukrainian Canadian Congress has a central number +1-(866)-942-4627 (toll-free), which operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on business days. The UCC coordinates the activities of many local organizations across Canada.

The UCC has provincial branches with their own contact numbers:

Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Toronto

Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Toronto is located at 2445 Bloor St W, Toronto, with a phone number of 416-763-4982 and an email address of [email protected]. The organization is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

UCSST provides social services, information and referrals, translation and interpretation by appointment, supportive counseling, assistance with applications for relevant government benefits, and assistance to newcomers in finding housing and employment.

Specialized Services and Programs

HELP Team for Vulnerable Individuals

The HELP Team (formerly DOAP Team) operates at 403-998-7388 in Calgary to assist homeless individuals in vulnerable situations. This service is especially important for Ukrainians who may find themselves in difficult circumstances after arriving in Canada.

Transit Watch for public transportation safety

For public transportation safety issues, call Transit Watch at 403-262-1000 or send an SMS to 74100. This is especially useful for Ukrainians who are just getting used to the Canadian transportation system.

Special services for young people

Kids Help Phone has expanded its services specifically for Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers, providing professional telephone counseling through interpreters in Russian, Ukrainian, Dari, and Pashto. It is the first mental health organization in Canada to offer such services.

Young people can call 1-800-668-6868 and press 3 to connect with a counsellor who speaks their language. This service is available 24 hours a day and provides a safe space for young people affected by conflict in Afghanistan and Ukraine to discuss their experiences.

Financial and Humanitarian Support

Canada-Ukraine Foundation

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation can be reached at 416-966-9700 and by email at [email protected]. The foundation coordinates the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, a large-scale humanitarian aid program.

The foundation has provided over $43 million in donations, of which $22 million has already been distributed and allocated. The program includes assistance to displaced persons, medical assistance, emergency shelter, and food security.

Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven

Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven operates through a national web portal that provides a multilingual (English, French, Ukrainian, and Russian) “I Need Help” page that connects Ukrainians with available support in their place of residence in Canada.

Regional Features and Local Initiatives

Atlantic Provinces

In Newfoundland and Labrador, all Ukrainians entering Canada under the CUAET program are covered by the Medical Care Plan (MCP) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Plan (NLPDP) for the duration of their visa.

In Nova Scotia, Mental Health Resources and Supports are available through provincial services. Prince Edward Island has a 24-hour Mental Health and Addictions Services hotline at 833-553-6983.

Northern Territories

In the Northwest Territories, Mental Health Resources and Supports are available through the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority. Similar services are provided in Nunavut through territorial health services.

Language Support and Cultural Adaptation

Most hotlines in Canada provide translation services in Ukrainian. It is particularly important to note that Calgary 911 has access to a translation service available in more than 300 languages, including Ukrainian.

Many organizations also have multilingual emergency response centers that provide support in 22 languages, helping callers access food, government programs, financial support, and other resources.

Technological solutions and modern formats

In addition to traditional telephone lines, many organizations use modern technologies. For example, Ukrainians in Alberta has an active Telegram channel in Ukrainian to disseminate up-to-date information about available resources and services for Ukrainians in Alberta.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. provides services not only by phone but also through various online channels, making assistance more accessible to the younger generation of Ukrainians.

Coordination between levels of government

An important feature of the Canadian support system is the coordination between the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government. The federal government provides overall policy and funding, provinces adapt programs to local needs, and municipalities provide direct services.

This creates a multi-level protection system where Ukrainians can get help at any level depending on their needs. Coordination is ensured through special web forms, where the keyword “Ukraine2022” must be entered to prioritize requests.

Conclusion

The Canadian hotline system for Ukrainians is a comprehensive support network that covers all aspects of newcomers' lives: from legal assistance to psychological support, from employment to cultural adaptation. This system continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons, providing them with the support they need to successfully integrate into Canadian society. Importantly, most of these services are free and available in Ukrainian, which greatly facilitates the adaptation process for those who have been forced to leave their homeland due to military action.