Business Woman PRO Canada President Nadiya Yashan Strengthens Human Rights Dialogue with Ontario Officials

Meetings with the Ontario Ombudsman and Attorney General of Ontario highlight opportunities for institutional cooperation, access to justice, and support for Ukrainian communities across Canada.

Toronto, Ontario — October 14, 2026

Nadiya Yashan, Founder and President of Business Woman PRO Canada and Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights in Canada, participated in two important meetings with senior Ontario officials to discuss human rights protection, access to legal assistance, and opportunities for stronger cooperation between Ukrainian and Canadian institutions.

The meetings took place with Barbara Finlay, Acting Ombudsman at Ontario Ombudsman, and the Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General of Ontario.

Nadiya Yashan attended alongside Andrii Ovsiienko, Representative of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets.

Both meetings provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, discuss challenges facing Ukrainians living in Canada, and explore potential areas for continued dialogue and institutional cooperation.

Strengthening Cooperation in Human Rights Protection

During the meeting with Barbara Finlay, the participants discussed the important role of ombudsman institutions in promoting fairness, accountability, and the protection of people's rights.

The conversation included an exchange of experiences and best practices, as well as the importance of helping individuals better understand the responsibilities of public institutions and the appropriate channels available when they need assistance.

For Ukrainian newcomers, navigating Canadian administrative systems can be particularly challenging, especially when they are unfamiliar with the division of responsibilities between federal, provincial, and municipal authorities.

Improving access to reliable information and strengthening communication between institutions can help individuals understand where to seek assistance and how to address their concerns.

The meeting created an opportunity to explore future cooperation and continued exchanges of knowledge and experience.

Access to Justice and Legal Support for Ukrainians in Canada

The second meeting, with Attorney General of Ontario Doug Downey, focused on issues related to access to justice, legal information, and the challenges faced by Ukrainian individuals and families living in Ontario.

Among the concerns raised were family-related legal matters, children's rights, access to legal assistance, and difficulties understanding Canadian legal procedures.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Ukrainian families have arrived in Canada seeking safety and stability. While Canada has provided important opportunities for temporary protection and integration, newcomers may continue to encounter complex legal and administrative challenges.

Some individuals require assistance understanding their rights and responsibilities, while others need guidance on how to access appropriate legal or community resources.

The discussion emphasized the importance of improving awareness of existing services, facilitating communication with relevant organizations, and exploring educational opportunities to help Ukrainian newcomers better understand the Canadian legal system.

Following the meeting, the Office of the Attorney General expressed openness to continued communication and invited further information about priority areas related to access to legal assistance.

Leadership Beyond Business: Supporting Women, Families, and Communities

As Founder and President of Business Woman PRO Canada, Nadiya Yashan has dedicated years to supporting women's leadership, entrepreneurship, professional development, and international networking.

Through conferences, business forums, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, the organization has worked to create opportunities for women to develop their potential, establish professional connections, and strengthen their economic independence.

However, Nadiya's public and community engagement extends beyond business development.

In her additional role as Advisor to the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, in Canada, she works to help Ukrainian citizens better understand their rights and find appropriate channels for assistance.

Her involvement in supporting Ukrainian women and families began with community initiatives responding to the needs of those displaced by the war.

These efforts have included educational activities, information sharing, community support, and initiatives aimed at helping newcomers adapt to life in Canada.

Today, she continues to receive inquiries concerning family matters, children's rights, access to services, legal difficulties, and other challenges affecting Ukrainian citizens.

This work reflects an important connection between women's economic empowerment and the broader protection of human rights.

Women cannot fully realize their professional and entrepreneurial potential without access to reliable information, legal protection, personal security, and opportunities to build stable and independent lives.

Understanding the Challenges Facing Ukrainians Across Canada

The needs of Ukrainian communities extend beyond Ontario.

Working with community advisors and Ukrainian representatives in different provinces, Nadiya Yashan is helping gather information about the challenges Ukrainians face across Canada.

One of the next priorities is to develop a broader overview of these concerns and launch a Canada-wide survey to better understand the experiences and needs of Ukrainian citizens.

The initiative is intended to identify recurring challenges, highlight gaps in access to information and services, and support more effective communication with relevant Canadian institutions.

The findings could also help inform future educational programs, community initiatives, and discussions with organizations working in human rights protection, legal assistance, and newcomer integration.

Building Partnerships for Meaningful Change

Both meetings took place in a constructive and welcoming atmosphere and demonstrated the value of direct communication between representatives of Ukrainian human rights institutions and Ontario officials.

For Business Woman PRO Canada, these discussions also reflect the organization's broader commitment to responsible leadership, international cooperation, and stronger communities.

Supporting women means more than helping them build successful businesses. It also means recognizing the challenges that can prevent them from achieving independence, security, and equal opportunities.

By connecting community leadership with institutional dialogue, Nadiya Yashan continues to contribute to efforts aimed at improving access to information, strengthening cooperation, and supporting Ukrainians as they establish their lives in Canada.

The meetings with the Ontario Ombudsman and Attorney General of Ontario represent an encouraging step toward continued dialogue and potential future collaboration.

Business Woman PRO Canada remains committed to promoting women's leadership, strengthening international partnerships, and supporting initiatives that contribute to more inclusive, informed, and resilient communities.