Celebrations in Canada Mark Syria’s New Chapter
Mississauga’s Celebration Square in Ontario became a hub of joy when news broke that the Syrian city of Homs had fallen to rebel forces. The jubilation intensified as word spread that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country, signaling an end to the Syrian civil war. For many Syrians who fled Assad’s regime and resettled in Canada, this moment marked both hope and reflection.
Khaled Abdulwahed, a 31-year-old Syrian-Canadian who organized the event, described the overwhelming emotions. “I cried for more than 45 minutes,” he shared. Abdulwahed, known as the “Syrian Mayor of Toronto,” was one of the 25,000 Syrian refugees resettled in Canada during 2015-2016 under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s campaign promise.
Syrian Refugees Find New Beginnings in Canada
Private Sponsorship: A Key to Success
Canada welcomed over 100,000 Syrian refugees in the last decade, utilizing a mix of government-assisted and private sponsorship programs. Private sponsorship, a unique Canadian initiative since 1979, allowed individuals and groups to bear the cost of resettlement. This played a significant role in Canada achieving its goals, as nearly half of the refugees arrived through these programs.
Activist Muzna Dureid, who came to Canada in 2016, shared how private sponsorship transformed her life. After fleeing Syria and losing family members to the war, Dureid found solace and support in Quebec, where a local family privately sponsored her and later helped bring her family to Canada.
“This sense of belonging is why Syrians feel Canada is more than a temporary refuge—it’s home,” she said.
Canada’s Refugee Policies Face Challenges
Shifting Attitudes Amid Rising Costs
While Canada has been a global leader in resettling refugees, recent challenges like the housing crisis and rising cost of living have led to changes in immigration policies. The Trudeau government is considering reductions in permanent resident numbers, leaving questions about the future of Canada’s refugee resettlement programs.
Despite this, Canada remains the fifth-largest recipient of asylum seekers globally as of 2023.
Syrians Express Gratitude and Hope for the Future
Building Bridges Between Two Homes
For Syrians like Maya Almasalmeh, Canada provided a second chance at life. Arriving as a teenager in 2016, she now studies sociology at Western University and dreams of becoming a social worker. “Canada gave us peace and helped me grow into who I am today,” she said.
However, she and others like her feel a strong sense of responsibility toward rebuilding Syria. “Canada is our heart, but we will go back to help build the new generation,” she explained.
Safety Concerns Persist for Some Syrians
LGBTQ+ Refugees Face Uncertainty
While many Syrians celebrate the possibility of returning to their homeland, safety concerns remain for some, particularly LGBTQ+ refugees. Basel Abou Hamrah, who resettled in Edmonton in 2015, emphasized that despite the regime change, Syria may still not be safe for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“There’s uncertainty about freedoms under the new government,” Abou Hamrah said, highlighting that reports of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals were prevalent even before the revolution.
Syrian-Canadians Look Ahead with Optimism
For Syrians like Israa El Issa, a mother of four who fled Aleppo, Canada provided safety and dignity. Sponsored by private citizens in British Columbia, she pursued education to become a nurse. However, with Assad gone, she is considering returning to Syria to complete her studies and reunite with family.
“At the end of the day, Syria is our country,” El Issa said. “Canada gave us everything, but now it’s time to help rebuild our homeland.”
Conclusion: Canada’s Impact on Syrian Refugees
Canada’s open-door policy has transformed the lives of over 100,000 Syrians, offering them safety, dignity, and new opportunities. While many express gratitude toward their adopted country, the dream of rebuilding Syria remains alive in their hearts.
For most, Canada will always be home, but their roots in Syria inspire them to contribute to their homeland’s future.