Originally called the Ukrainian Canadian Committee, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) was formed in November 1940 under the initiative of the federal government of Canada and non-Communist Ukrainian organizations to consolidate a large Ukrainian population under an umbrella-like structure for a united war effort during the Second World War and Postwar period. Being politically and religiously neutral, the UCC played a key role in campaigning on behalf of the 200,000 Ukrainian refugees stranded in Western Europe after the war to the federal government of Canada for their resettlement in this country. Later the postwar changes in the community profile, including urbanization and the trend toward professional education, naturally led to cultural and lingual assimilation.

Today, the UCC has a developed multilevel representation through its provincial and local branches that have become instrumental in addressing issues of concern to the whole community, including specific needs of the new generation of Ukrainian Canadians at the appropriate government level.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC) was organized in 1974 as a non-profit society. Today it officially represents over 400,000 Albertans of Ukrainian descent before the people and the Government of Alberta.

As an umbrella organization, the UCC-APC:

• Identifies and addresses the needs of the Ukrainian community and coordinates its activities, including advocating for policies and support systems that enhance the well-being and representation of Ukrainians in Alberta and Canada.

• Fosters unity and cooperation among member and non-member organizations, while strengthening collective advocacy efforts on political and social issues affecting the Ukrainian community.

• Preserves Ukrainian heritage, history, culture, and language through bilingual education, research, cultural exchanges, arts, dance, and other activities, and advocates for continued governmental and institutional support for cultural programming and education.

• Encourages participation of youth and newcomers from Ukraine in the political, economic, social, and cultural life of Alberta and Canada, promoting civic engagement, leadership development, and voter participation within the Ukrainian community.

• Promotes linkages between Alberta and Ukraine, including support for pro-democracy movements and advocacy on foreign policy issues that reflect the interests and values of the Ukrainian-Canadian community.

The UCC-APC:

• Maintains a daily online Alberta Ukrainian Community Events Calendar and an informative website
• Prepares a bi-weekly e-Bulletin and a quarterly Newsletter
• Co-organizes the annual Ukrainian Day festival with the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, commemorating Ukrainian Independence Day. 
• Honours individuals who have previously been elected officials with the Michael Luchkovich Award for their significant contributions and dedication to the betterment of all Canadians
• Recognizes outstanding Alberta volunteers with its annual Hetman Awards
• As of February 24, 2022, the UCC-APC is actively involved in helping Ukrainian newcomers arriving in Alberta and supporting various initiatives to assist Ukraine as much as possible during the Ukrainian-Russian war.