‘Canadian sovereignty goes beyond borders': In an uncertain world, Russian immigrant discovered who he was 'meant to become' in Canada
Yahoo News Canada presents 'My Canada," a series spotlighting Canadians — born-and-raised to brand new — sharing their views on the Canadian dream, national identity, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with life inside and outside these borders.
Erin Horrocks-Pope is an award-winning journalist who works as a project manager of strategic development at the Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLCT) in Toronto. She helps new Canadians connect to the community through various initiatives and opportunities. A selection of the organization's participants have agreed to share their Canadian lens in as-told-to accounts for Yahoo News readers.
Arkadiy Volkov is an immigrant from Moscow, Russia who graduated the Bridging to Employment in Mental Health (BREM) program at MNLCT. He now runs a thriving private therapy practice and offers placement opportunities to current BREM students, coming full circle in his journey. His story reflects success, community contribution, and commitment to supporting newcomers entering the mental health field.
Honeymoons are always a turning point for newly married couples, the first step into a new life together. For my wife and me, it was also the beginning of something even bigger than we expected. We had just gotten married when we travelled to New York City. It was our first experience with North American culture, and something about it felt instantly familiar. It was open, vibrant, and full of possibility. By the time we returned to Moscow, Russia, we knew we didn't just want a fresh start as a couple; we wanted a fresh start in a new country.
Canada quickly rose to the top of our list. We were drawn not just to its beauty or economy but to its longstanding values of multiculturalism, fairness, education, and personal growth. It also helped that Canada's immigration process was straightforward and transparent. We were eligible for Express Entry, and before we ever boarded our flight, we received confirmation of our Permanent Resident status. When we landed at Toronto Pearson Airport in 2019, we were handed our documents. It was official; we were on our way to becoming Canadian.
We started out in Leslieville, a quiet neighbourhood in Toronto filled with charm, coffee shops, and friendly faces. It was a lovely place to land, but even in a welcoming community, it's easy to feel isolated when you're new. My wife was still learning English at the time, so I took on most of the daily tasks and responsibilities. Eventually, we moved to the core of downtown Toronto to be closer to newcomer services and more opportunities to get involved.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Like for everyone, it reshaped everything. We used that time to learn in online classes, community programs, and anything to prepare ourselves for this new life. And then, just as things seemed to be getting back to normal, war broke out back home.
We count our blessings every day that we made the decision to immigrate when we did. Since 2020, the world has changed in unimaginable ways. Our ties to our community in Russia remain strong, and we carry a lot of quiet grief. Watching from afar has been painful, but it has also deepened our appreciation for the peace and freedom we've found here.
As a newcomer, I'm still learning what it means to be Canadian. It's a vast country, with many cultures, regions, and histories, but in everyone we've met we've felt a sense of unity.
Canadian sovereignty, to me, goes beyond borders. It's about people standing up for each other, taking care of each other, and moving forward even when the world feels uncertain.Arkadiy Volkov
One of the first things I did after arriving was begin the process to continue my work in psychotherapy. I found the BREM program (Bridging to Employment in Mental Health) through the Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC), and it gave me the exact foundation I needed to adapt my credentials, understand the Canadian system, and continue practicing. I graduated in 2021 and soon after, launched my own private practice: Feel Your Way Therapy.
Today, our practice reflects Canada itself: diverse, inclusive, and client-centred. Our team includes professionals from many backgrounds and belief systems, and I'm proud of the space we've created. We also offer placement opportunities to current BREM students so I can give back to the program that helped me start and guide other newcomers on their journey.
Another part of my work that's deeply important to me is supporting Indigenous clients through Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. We are working to make therapy more accessible and inclusive, and I hope to incorporate more Indigenous teachings and healing practices into our work. It's one way I try to honour the land we live on and the people who have always been here.
In 2024, my wife and I welcomed our son. Becoming parents in Canada opened a whole new chapter, one filled with joy, responsibility, and a deep sense of hope. We dream of showing him this country from coast to coast, from the cliffs of Nova Scotia to the mountains of British Columbia, so he can grow up surrounded by the beauty and values that first drew us here.
Another defining moment in my journey was becoming a Canadian citizen. I can't speak for my wife, but for me, one of the most emotional experiences was voting for the first time. I've always made an effort to stay engaged in Canadian civic life; it matters deeply to me, both as a therapist and as a person trying to contribute to this country. But casting that first ballot, knowing that my voice was now part of shaping the future my son will grow up in, was something I'll never forget.
Canada has given me space to grow as a husband, a therapist, a citizen, and now a father. And now, I get to spend every day giving back. This is what Canada means to me: a place of opportunity, shared responsibility, and quiet strength. A place where becoming Canadian doesn't mean letting go of who you were but growing into who you're meant to become.
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