Canada has welcomed its first 10,000 Syrian refugees

January 13, 2016–Ottawa, ON–A significant milestone was reached late yesterday evening. Canada has now welcomed more than 10,000 Syrian refugees to our country as part of the #WelcomeRefugees initiative, bringing us closer to our goal of welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February 2016.

Working with partners in Canada – and around the world – the government has undertaken an unprecedented effort to help thousands of Syrian refugees find a new home. We are working with our international partners, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Organization for Migration, as well as with the host countries of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, to help those who have been forced to flee their homes.

In provinces and territories across the country, the steadfast support of resettlement organizations, service providers, and private sponsorship groups is essential to this initiative. More than one hundred communities across Canada have welcomed or are preparing to welcome Syrian refugees.

For daily updates about the number of Syrian refugees who have arrived, applications in process, destination communities, and many more milestones and key figures, visit our website.

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“Many people have worked day and night to bring these refugees to Canada – and Canadians have opened their communities and their hearts to welcome them. Canada continues to set an international example with its response to the worst refugee crisis of our time.”

Hon. John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

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Contacts

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

Building a stronger Canada: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure the safety and security of Canadians, while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.

Source: news.gc.ca