The more than 160 Syrians who arrived from Beirut, the Lebanese capital, are part of the 25,000 refugees Trudeau’s government has pledged to accept by the end of February. “More refugees are Syrian than any other nationality”.
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Christine Youssef, left, is excited as she reunites with her cousins.
“In this case, full IFHP benefits, known as ‘Type 1’ coverage, is being made available to all of the Syrian refugees arriving in Canada as part of this initiative. I am pleased to support this initiative that will allow newcomers to discover Canadian culture through enriching cultural and artistic experiences”, said Mélanie Joly, the Minister for Canadian Heritage in a press release.
In the midst of Canada’s first efforts to resettle Syrian refugees into the country, Canada’s children are sending in heartwarming video messages to welcome their new neighbors, some of which have been compiled in the video above. “We’re so happy to see them”.
“They cried when they left their family, for about two minutes”, she said.
Farhat’s uncle, Sahak Nakazian, held a bouquet of red and white flowers as he and his wife prepared to leave for their niece’s home in Mississauga, Ont. “It’s about the hard work we’re all going to do in the coming weeks, months and indeed years to ensure that everyone who passes through here tonight and in the weeks and months to come are able to build a life for themselves, for their family and also contribute fully to the continued growth of this extraordinary country”.
Louisa Taylor, director of Refugee613 in Ottawa, which is helping coordinate resettlement in the nation’s capital, said: “The demand for refugees far outstrips the supply”.
“It’s like a miracle”, the 29-year-old said.
“You want to go to job but you can’t because you’re afraid, because bomb comes”, he said. “You always afraid, you always nervous”. “Canada’s business community has always been ready to aid those in need. You build your future better”. The agency is responsible for welcoming and orienting government-sponsored refugees in Edmonton.
“Sometimes they really force, if you don’t turn from Christianity to Muslim, Islamic religion, they will harm you”.
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“This is a wonderful night, where we get to show not just a planeload of new Canadians what Canada is all about, we get to show the world how to open our hearts and welcome in people who are fleeing extraordinarily hard situations”, Trudeau told volunteers and airport staff waiting to receive the refugees.
