UCC Presents Preliminary Report of Community Engagement Survey

November 9, 2021. OTTAWA. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) presented the preliminary results of the 2021 Community Engagement Survey on November 6, 2021.

This was the first ever national survey of self-identified Ukrainian Canadians. The project was undertaken by the UCC Charitable and Educational Trust, with the support of the Temerty Foundation.

“We heard from over four thousand Ukrainian Canadians across the country about what they consider essential for our community to thrive,” stated UCC National President Alexandra Chyczij. “By identifying what brings us together, we can develop a strategic vision to continue building a highly effective and inclusive community across Canada.”

Preliminary results were presented on a webinar attended by member organizations and community leaders. A recording of the presentation is available here:

Key findings of the survey demonstrate that:

1. For most, Ukrainian Canadian identity is based equally on ancestry and culture, and this pattern is consistent across demographic groups and linguistic categories.
2. Most respondents stress the importance of their Ukrainian identity, which transcends demographic groups and waves of immigration .
3. Respondents are more likely to say their Ukrainian Canadian identity has strengthened rather than weakened over the past 10 years. This is especially so among English speakers, 18-23 year-olds, and 3^rdgeneration Ukrainian Canadians.
4. Language is a significant differentiating factor when it comes to identity and involvement in the Ukrainian community – more so than region, age group, gender, and immigration wave.
5. Volunteer activity is robust.

A total of 4,031 responses were gathered over a six-week field period, with representation from every province and territory of Canada, age category, gender, and immigration wave. Nearly 35% of respondents were unengaged or unaffiliated with their local Ukrainian Canadian communities.

The Community Engagement Survey included approximately fifty questions organized around five thematic blocks: Ukrainian Canadian Identity and Values; Involvement in the Ukrainian Community; Participation in Ukrainian Education; Connection to Ukraine; and Future Participation and Programming.

A final report with a comprehensive analysis of the results will be available in early December.