Ukrainian truck drivers in Canada

Q: Oleg, tell me, how did you start your life in Canada?

A: I decided to leave Ukraine some time ago.  At first, I was trying to find a job abroad by myself with the help of an Israeli agency.  I spent a lot of time and money on this but I wasn't successful because the employer refused to hire me and so I didn't go anywhere.

Several weeks later, I learned that ILC assists with job placements in Canada.  I passed a test in their office, obtained the employer's approval, and after several English courses I got the invitation to participate in the program.  The training can take from 2 to 4 months, depending on the English level of a candidate.  It was another 6 months to obtain the Canadian visa and US visa (since Yanke Group truck drivers make frequent trips to the USA).  Then I packed my bags, flew for nearly 24 hours and arrived in Canada.

Q: How did they welcome you there?

A: I am happy to say that from the very beginning, I didn't feel lonely.  Yanke representatives met me at the airport and drove me to the hotel.  They gave me two days to settle in since there is an 8-hour time difference between Ukraine and Canada.  Yanke Group staff helped me to obtain my Social Insurance Number (SIN), something like a tax code that we have in Ukraine, and to open a bank account.

I was very thankful to have people treat me so hospitably and that I could rely on them for any help. Even when I had problems with English, nobody looked at me strangely.  Regardless of whether I was in a shop, on the street, or at work, I didn't notice any negative behaviour towards me.

Q: There were probably some language difficulties at the beginning, weren't there?

A: Yes, definitely, it was difficult at the beginning.  Although I took an English course in Ukraine, it was difficult to communicate, but not because I didn't understand.  It was just difficult to realize that I make mistakes in my speech, but it didn't take long.  At work, I was told : "talk more and you will learn the language faster".

At first I was apologizing for my language mistakes.  Everybody kept telling me that I shouldn't say sorry: ''I understand you and you understand me too - what's the problem? Everything is OK!''

Canadians support new immigrants, that is why it was much easier to adapt here rather than in Europe for instance.

Q: Where have you been living since you moved abroad?

A: In the first month, my employer paid for my rent and meals and I stayed in a hotel in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  At that time, I was studying to obtain a class 1A driver's licence, which was also paid for by the company.  After the road tests, I started to work and rent my own place.  I didn't have any problems finding accommodations as I had co-workers who suggested some options for me.

Ukrainian truck drivers, who come here for work, usually rent an apartment between three or four people. Each person pays 200-250 Canadian dollars per month, which is quite reasonable.  This rent included everything, except for electricity, that's why we didn't spend much.  My roommates were usually running their long-haul deliveries, so we often didn't see each other at home.  As a result, there were no problems with them.  About a year later, my wife and two kids arrived.  We now rent a separate apartment for our family.

Q: How has it been for your family in a new country?

A: My son is 16. He has been going to high school here and he was welcomed very well. Moreover, he studied English in Ukraine and now he doesn't have any communication problems.

My daughter is only 7.  She has also been attending school.  Though she didn't know the language, in few days she started to pick up some words.  I think that it will be easier for her to get used to life here.

My wife is still learning English because it is necessary in all situations.  She is a pharmacist and we want her education to be recognized to the Canadian standard.  At the University of Saskatchewan, there is a college of pharmacy, so in time she will be able to do it.  In Canada, a pharmacist earns $45/hour and you can't compare the working conditions here with those in Ukraine.

Q: How do you spend your spare time?

A: Canada is a northern country so there are a lot of skating rinks and ski slopes.  Everyone can choose what they want.  We enjoy swimming all year round - outdoor pool in summer and indoor pool in winter.  There are a large number of sport clubs and study groups for children.  Canadians take good care of their kids, this is why kids feel more comfortable here.

There are different museums in every city and even in the countryside.  It is very interesting to visit them.  Canada's history is short but their citizens try to preserve it for future descendents.

Q: People say that the life in Canada is expensive.  Is it true?

A: I wouldn't say so.  It was more expensive for me to support my family while they were in Ukraine, rather than now that they are here living together with me.  You can't compare prices in shops, just converting dollars into hryvnas and vice versa.  The income I earn is enough for a decent life: we have a good dwelling, my family has food to eat and clothing to wear, and my kids go to school.

I also have my own car.  Though I bought it on credit, it is almost new (it had only about 10,000 km on it when I bought it).  Could I afford this in Ukraine?

It probably shouldn't even be mentioned that everything here is in great order.  There are perfect roads, the laws work, and there is no bureaucracy.  If it is written that a document takes, for example, 5 days to be prepared, it will be ready in this time.  Fortunately, I haven't had any problems with the police, probably because you just don't notice them.  You also won't hear anything about gangsters here, it just isn't present.  Perhaps in New York or Chicago you could find it, but here everything is peaceful.  This is our life.  We live like normal people.

Q: Do you want to return to Ukraine?

A: The standards of living in Canada and Ukraine are completely different.  I can't say that it was always the case in Ukraine but now my family and I want a good life.  To those truck drivers who work in Ukraine, but who want to have the best in their lives, I can say that it is definitely possible here.

ILC helped me a lot. Thank you very much! They helped me to learn the language, there were no problems with documents, and they even helped my family to move here.  In short, I was very lucky to get involved with this company!

Truck Drivers Immigration Program re-started

In prior news, we mentioned that there had been a delay for truck drivers who had needed to wait for their job placements and departure to Canada for a long period of time. This delay was caused by the world economic crisis and by some changes in the work permit process through the Canadian Embassy in Kiev.

Currently, after candidates successfully pass IELTS examinations confirming their English language skills and obtain their Canadian work visa, they depart to Canada in groups.

In Canada, the employer meets them and organizes training and examinations to obtain the class 1A driving license.

We would like to congratulate Taras and Vasyl who recently passed all of the necessary tests and training allowing them to start working for their Canadian employer.

We remind you that the employer, Yanke Group, continues to invite truck drivers to submit their applications to ILC for consideration as a long-haul truck driver. You can find out more about the program by calling our office.

If you would like to take part in the Truck Drivers Immigration Program to Canada, please check back for calendar updates about upcoming presentations.