Premier Greg Selinger and other officials have now formally welcomed some of the first arrivals from Syria to Manitoba.
“Families coming from Syria have lost so much and struggled greatly to make our province their new home, and many Manitobans are working hard to make them feel welcome,” said Premier Selinger. “While the weather might be colder than they are used to, I hope the warmth of our welcome will help them settle in and begin their new lives in Canada.”
Settling these families requires collaboration between government, settlement agencies, community organizations and individual Manitobans, Premier Selinger noted.
“I want to extend a warm welcome to our new citizens,” said Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg. “Our compassion, diversity and understanding of new people and cultures will certainly help ensure those arriving today, and those arriving in the future, receive the support needed to settle into a Winnipeg, and Canadian, way of life.”
It is expected that more than 25,000 Syrian refugees will be arriving in Canada over the next few months. Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 of these men, women and children will soon be calling Manitoba home, the premier said.
“Welcoming thousands of Syrian refugees brings out the best in Canadians,” said Federal Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr. “The warmth and generosity that our nation has shown to people escaping persecution continues today as we reach out to displaced people literally running for their lives. Manitobans yet again are demonstrating their compassion, understanding and hospitality. This is a proud moment for Canada.”
Joining officials from all three levels of government in welcoming the new refugees at Welcome Place were members of the Keewatin Otchitchak Drum Group, who were also on hand at Winnipeg James Richardson International Airport to welcome refugees to Treaty 1 land with a song as they arrived in the city over the weekend.
Earlier this year, the Manitoba government committed more than $1.4 million in additional funding to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to refugees, support the settlement sector, facilitate and increase private sponsorship, support the successful integration of Syrian refugee youth through educational, employment and mental health supports, ensure Syrian refugees have access to high-quality health-care services and connect Syrian refugees to employment and job training.
“We know Manitoba families are some of the most generous in the country and are looking forward to helping their new neighbours adjust to life in communities across the province,” said Premier Selinger.
The premier noted the generosity of Manitobans wanting to make donations of clothing, food and other household items for the Syrian refugees arriving in the province has been extraordinary. Immigration and settlement agencies are working to determine what will be needed, when and by which families.
“Manitobans are known for their generosity and friendly welcomes, and it’s so wonderful to see the community opening their hearts to all our new arrivals,” said Rita Chahal, executive director, Welcome Place. “I know the families arriving now will soon be settled and creating new lives right across the city and the province, helping build stronger communities.”
For information about making a donation or volunteering, call 1-888-662-3211 (toll-free) from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The province is also creating a list of property owners with homes to let on a long-term basis. Two- to five-bedroom homes, apartments and condos with month-to-month leases are needed. Contact, property and price information can be sent to refugeehousing@gov.mb.ca.
