Forum on Welcoming Syrian Refugees to Canada

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston hosted a forum on welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada.

The fist panel discussed how to mobilizing the Public Sector and outlined government commitments and challenges in refugee resettlement.

The forum highlighted Canada’s diversity, inclusion and volunteerism efforts to prepare for the arrival of the Syrian refugees.

The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada participated in the panel on mobilizing the public sector.

"Welcome, all of you, to this forum on welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada. This forum is about much more than that, in fact. It’s about living up to who we are as Canadians," said His Excellency.

The third panel was on mobilizing the private sector and showcased private-sector contributions, volunteer efforts and support.

Ms. Margaret Eaton, Executive Director, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council participated in the panel on mobilizing the private sector.

Mr. Brian Dyck, Co-Chair, Canadian National Refugee Sponsorship Agreement Holder Association participated in the panel on mobilizing communities and individual Canadians.

Ms. Naomi Alboim, Co-Founder, Lifeline Syria participated in the panel on mobilizing communities and individual Canadians.

The second panel was on mobilizing communities and individual Canadians and highlighted the importance of community connections and networks for ease of integration.

His Worship Mike Savage, Mayor of the City of Halifax and Co-chair of the Task Force on Syrian Refugee Resettlement of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities participated in the panel on mobilizing the public sector.

The Honourable Kathleen Weil, Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness of Quebec participated in the panel on mobilizing the public sector.

“Welcoming refugees isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart and caring thing to do, as generations of Canadians have done before us,” said His Excellency.