The first Candian government plane carrying earlybird Syrian refugees arrived in small groups at Toronto airport on Friday.
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They applied for refugee status in January and learned Monday that they would be on the first government-arranged flight, she said.
With much coaxing, a exhausted and bewildered little girl finally managed a sweet smile for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as she was handed a teddy bear.
“I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, and I really hope you like it here in Canada”, one boy said.
Trudeau and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne at the terminal that will welcome the refugees.
“You are home. Welcome home”, said Trudeau to the family at Pearson International Airport just before midnight.
McCallum urges others to do what they can to make the refugees welcome.
“We are continuing to see a somewhat declining trend of arrivals on a daily basis in the main Greek islands, (with) still significant numbers arriving during December”, Edwards said. “It goes beyond government to include every single Canadian, whom we are asking to come forward and contribute…” The public was actually warned to stay away from the Toronto airport, as officials feared the overwhelming rush of kindhearted people who wanted to greet the refugees with open arms. They were joined by the ministers of immigration, health and defence, as well as local mayors and opposition immigration critics.
Shadr Mardelli struggled to put the day’s experience into words.
Leaving Syria has been hard for the family, who survived multiple bombings before fleeing to Lebanon, Youssef said.
In Canada, he said, “I’m looking for safety and handsome future and new future”.
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There are several videos of the interactions Trudeau had with the new arrivals. “It is the final destination for them to start a new life”.
