The Manitoba government is investing $500,000 to expand English language training programs for Ukrainian newcomers across the province as part of ongoing efforts to support settlement and long-term integration.
The funding, announced by Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy on Vyshyvanka Day, will support programming delivered through the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council (UCC-MPC).
“As Manitobans celebrate Vyshyvanka Day and honour Ukrainian culture and heritage, this investment reflects our commitment to ensuring newcomers have the tools they need to thrive, find work and fully participate in communities across our province,” Kennedy said in a news release.
“Our government is proud to support the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Manitoba Provincial Council as it helps Ukrainian newcomers build strong connections and successful futures in Manitoba.”
The UCC is a national organization representing Ukrainian Canadian community groups, with the Manitoba council among the oldest in Canada. Since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the organization has helped support thousands of individuals and families who have settled in Manitoba.
According to UCC Manitoba, more than 30,000 Ukrainian newcomers have arrived in the province since the war began.
From July 2025 to February 2026, the organization delivered English language training to approximately 900 adult learners across Manitoba in partnership with community organizations.
UCC Manitoba president Joanne Lewandosky said language training plays a critical role in helping newcomers build stable lives in their new communities.
“English language training is one of the most important tools helping Ukrainian newcomers build successful lives in Manitoba, opening doors to employment, education and full participation in our communities,” said Lewandosky.
“We are deeply grateful to the Manitoba government for its ongoing support of Ukrainians forced to come to Canada because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and for investing in programs that help newcomers integrate and contribute to our province.”
The new provincial funding will support additional staffing, expanded course offerings and organizational supports aimed at strengthening program delivery in both urban and rural communities.
UCC Manitoba said there has been particularly strong demand for English language training in Winnipeg, western Manitoba, the Morden-Winkler area and the Interlake region.
The organization noted it is committed to offering as many rural courses as possible where demand exists, although finding qualified instructors continues to be a challenge.
The expanded programming will continue to focus on in-person instruction, as UCC Manitoba does not currently offer online language courses.
UCC Manitoba spokesperson Ostap Skrypnyk said language skills remain an important part of helping newcomers become job ready and establish long-term roots in Manitoba communities.
“Employers in general want workers who are job ready. Language is an important part of that,” said Skrypnyk. “Viable and long-term employment is important for rural municipalities to retain newcomers.”
Vyshyvanka Day is observed annually on the third Thursday in May and celebrates Ukrainian culture and unity through the wearing of traditional embroidered shirts known as vyshyvankas.
