Polish Community in Canada > Ontario > Toronto

Founded in 1973 by dedicated volunteers in Toronto, ON, CUIAS Immigrant Services has evolved into a flagship settlement organization rooted in community values and genuine care for newcomer success. What began as the Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society has grown into an inclusive agency serving immigrants from diverse backgrounds, while maintaining its commitment to the principles of respect, tolerance, integrity, and equity that defined its founding mission. The organization's history reflects its unwavering dedication to those facing displacement and hardship—from sponsoring over 4,000 self-exiles from the former Soviet Union during the 1980s, to assisting refugees from the Yugoslav wars, to responding rapidly when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine created urgent humanitarian needs in 2022. Today, CUIAS operates as a member of both the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, embodying collaborative values that prioritize client needs and community partnership. The agency's approach centers on human connection and understanding, recognizing that successful integration requires more than services—it requires genuine support, cultural sensitivity, and a welcoming environment. CUIAS welcomes all newcomers regardless of background and makes meaningful efforts to provide interpretation services and appropriate referrals. Operating in Toronto with deep roots in the community, CUIAS continues its 50-year legacy of empowering individuals and families to build strong foundations for their futures in Canada through high-quality, culturally responsive programming.

Serving the Toronto, ON area and Polish-Canadian communities across the country, the Polish National Union of Canada has been a cornerstone of Polish heritage and cultural identity since 1930. Born from the community's determination to preserve Polish values and resist external pressures threatening Polish identity, this organization emerged as a beacon of patriotic unity for the Canadian Polish diaspora. Rooted in the democratic and nationalist principles of Marshal Józef Piłudski, the Polish National Union of Canada has consistently championed the interests and well-being of Polish Canadians. What began as a response to protect Polish community interests in Toronto has evolved into one of Canada's largest Polish organizations, demonstrating the deep commitment and trust placed in its leadership by generations of Polish-Canadians. The organization's early efforts to unite Polish diaspora organizations culminated in joining the Union of Polish Associations in Winnipeg in 1938, reflecting its role as a unifying force within the broader Polish-Canadian movement. Today, the Polish National Union of Canada continues to honor its founding mission by fostering community connection, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring that Polish traditions, values, and history remain vibrant and relevant for Polish-Canadian families in Toronto and throughout the nation.

Barbara has built her legal practice with the sole purpose of helping injured people and their families. Her commitment to quality is unprecedented. You can expect that Barbara will help you navigate the legal system and fight tirelessly as your advocate. In the courtroom, Barbara is an aggressive litigator. She has appeared at all levels of the Ontario Courts including the Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Justice, the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal. Barbara has also appeared before various boards and tribunals, including the Human Rights Tribunal, Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Licence Appeals Tribunal, Criminal Compensation Board and many more. Her main areas of expertise are car accidents, accident benefits claims, slip and fall, pedestrian & cyclist accidents, short and long term disability, fatal accident, wrongful death and other personal injury matters. Barbara is a Polish-speaking lawyer and also an active member of the Polish community in Toronto, Mississauga and Windsor.

Natalia Bialkowska: a Canadian lawyer of Polish origin, educated in the United States. She currently lives in Toronto, where she founded NB Law Firm, specializing in immigration and personal injury law. Available 24/7, the firm also offers services of Notary Public and Commissioner of Oaths, licensed in Ontario. Natalia speaks several languages and provides legal assistance in: English, Polish, and Spanish. Law is not only her dream job, but also life passion. This is why when founding NB Law Firm, Natalia Bialkowska made it her firm’s mission to efficiently help clients solve their legal problems by achieving the most favorable and desired outcome. She believes that knowledge, diligence, and constant communication lead to mutual success. A prime example of Natalia’s commitment and effectiveness is her achievement* of one of the highest verdicts in California court history for a crush-type inversion injury to an ankle, which jury deliberated on for only two hours. (*as of the date of the above-mentioned decision). Natalia earned her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and LL.M. from Southwestern Law School, specializing in Trial Advocacy. Natalia completed her undergraduate studies at Brandeis University, having received The Wien International Scholarship, awarded to international students for exceptional achievements. During her studies, she was awarded again, becoming a member of the oldest honorary society of liberal arts and sciences in the US – Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated in three years, summa cum laude, with the double B.A. degree in Political Science and Philosophy, and minor in Legal Studies. In 2014, Natalia began her professional career as a lawyer working for personal injury and workers’ compensation law firms in Los Angeles, California. In 2019, she was selected to the Southern California Rising Stars as one of the 2.5% of all nominees. She is also licensed to practice in District of Columbia, and as of 2019, Ontario.