Unpacking the mystery of the Canadian healthcare system: Ukrainian refugees and healthcare system navigation

Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2014 after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. A larger invasion took place on February 24, 2022. Both conflicts have caused the displacement of 8 million Ukrainians to date. This is the largest humanitarian crisis in history since World War II.

A significant percentage of these Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Canada. In fact, between January 1st and October 12th, 2022, a total of 105 651 Ukrainian citizens or returning Canadian permanent residents of Ukrainian origin arrived by land or air in Canada (Government of Canada, 2022).

This project aims to share knowledge around Ontario healthcare system navigation with recent (since 2014) Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Toronto, Ontario, lead to changes in perspectives and/or actions/behaviours, and improve care and health outcomes of these refugees. A series of hands-on workshops framed within a focus group discussion and creative group activities, three in total, one week apart will be delivered to interested Ukrainian refugees on the topic of Ontario healthcare system navigation. The participants will include qualifying parents of children who attend the St. Volodymyr Ukrainian school and any other qualifying Ukrainian refugees they would like to bring along.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kateryna Metersky

Student:

Partner:

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Education

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University

Program: