A HELPING
HAND By Janet Nicol
Tips for new refugees as they find their way in Canada
M
ost immigrants arriving to Canada have made the choice to move here. Refugees, in contrast, are fleeing war, violence and persecution, and may arrive with few material possessions. Canada is one of 28 countries to resettle 100,000 refugees a year from countries around the world, and has welcomed more than 25,000 refugees from Syria specifically, as of the end of February. Syrians continue to experience an intense humanitarian crisis, with more than half the country’s population being displaced to other regions or escaping to other countries, like Canada. Once in Canada, government-assisted refugees (GARs) from all countries are helped with their basic needs by settlement workers. Privately sponsored refugees (PSRs) access resources independently, with assistance from their sponsor. Regardless of their country of origin or method of arrival, the information you will need to learn is the same. Canadian Immigrant’s new “Welcome Refugees” special hopes to offer lots of facts and tips about living in Canada, starting with these four essential first tips for positive settlement in Canada:
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canadianimmigrant.ca
April 2016
1. Ask for help or information when you need it. 2. Start building a network of new friends. 3. Learn the English language. 4. Learn about your new home.
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