Canada has welcomed its first 10,000 Syrian refugees

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship)

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.