Final Report of 2021 Community Engagement Survey

 December 14, 2021. Winnipeg, MB. Today, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) released the Final Report of the 2021 Community Engagement Survey.  

This was the first-ever national survey of self-identified Ukrainian Canadians. The project was conducted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, supported by the Temerty Foundation and the UCC Charitable and Educational Trust. Over 4000 Ukrainian Canadians from all provinces and territories of Canada participated in the survey.  

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their background, experiences, and opinions to inform our understanding of what it means to be Ukrainian in Canada today. This important research will help us shape a strategic vision to keep our community effective, inclusive and growing,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “The UCC is proud to represent a diverse community that at the same time is united by core values, a strong identity, and a commitment to volunteerism.”  

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. 

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 – by province and region, generation in Canada, age and language.
2. Most participants stress the importance of their Ukrainian identity, which transcends demographic groups and waves of immigration. This connection extends to participants who are not actively involved with the local community and those whose family has been in Canada for several generations.
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 3rd generation 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. 

The report also published findings of note relating to involvement in the Ukrainian Canadian community, such as volunteerism and philanthropy patterns, as well as participation in Ukrainian education.  

Moving forward, the UCC is working with its member organizations, provincial councils and local branches to develop programs and initiatives reflective of the priorities identified in the survey.