#WelcomeRefugees: Stories from the journey

Welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada was a historic effort, and we want to share some stories, videos and photos of the journey and everyone who helped make it happen.

Stories

Grade 6 students in Acton, Ontario made welcome cards for Syrian children arriving in Canada.

Uzi's family left Syria in the early 90s and found Canada to be everything they hoped for in a new home.

Since arriving in Canada as a refugee in May 2015, Mohamed feels safe and at home.

Behind the scenes

It takes a lot of human power to bring an initiative like this to life. Take a look at what's happening "behind the scenes" to #WelcomeRefugees to Canada.

Canadian Armed Forces personnel share photos of their journey to #WelcomeRefugees.

Visa officer Zal Karkaria shares a glimpse into the operations centre in Amman.

The CAF is operating at full speed to support refugee resettlement.

Brigitte Lapierre explains how government employees prepare to work well with refugees.

Videos

Additional videos are available in our Video centre and on our YouTube channel.

Length: 5:29 minutes
Date: April 15, 2016

Length: 3:47 minutes
Date: March 30, 2016

Length: 4:19 minutes
Date: March 17, 2016

Photos

Browse photos from the initiative - from the Minister’s visit to refugee camps and offices overseas to the welcoming of Syrian refugees on Canadian soil.

There are additional photos and stories in the refugees’ own words on our Facebook page.

  • The Honourable Jane Philpott, the Honourable John McCallum, the Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, the Honourable Ralph Goodale and the Honourable Mélanie Joly.
  • The Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan and the Honourable John McCallum talked with a member of UNICEF working in a Syrian refugee camp.
  • The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship visits a Syrian refugee informal settlement in Debbane, Lebanon.
  • Canadian Forces member proceeds with a biometric test during the refugee screening process at the SOFEX facility.
  • A Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris aircraft with 163 Syrian refugees lands at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
  • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomes Syrian refugees to Canada late Thursday night at Pearson International airport.
  • Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal, helps a child put on a winter jacket.
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada staff take a break to pose for a photo with Minister John McCallum in Toronto.

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