Sweet story: “Peace by Chocolate” documents Hadhad family’s extraordinary journey from Syria to Canada
By Tareq Hadhad and John Tattrie, as told to Lauren La Rose Tareq Hadhad ended the year much like he started it: marking two major milestones of his remarkable new life in Canada. The week before Christmas 2020 marked five years since Tareq landed in Canada as a...
Sultans of String celebrates “Refuge” album with online concert fundraiser for refugees
By Lauren La Rose Sultans of String’s Chris McKhool admits it was “pretty devastating” to see dozens of shows cancelled for his band’s biggest-ever tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it wasn’t long before a moment of disappointment turned to one of tremendous...
#IAmAnAdvocate: Q&A with Canadian author and refugee advocate Robin Stevenson
When Canadian children’s author Robin Stevenson saw the headlines about the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, she knew she had to help. The Vancouver Island-based writer, mother and refugee advocate and resettlement sponsor explains why it is so important for her...
A moving tribute to the victims of Nova Scotia’s mass shooting
Resettled to Canada four years ago, a Syrian refugee who fled war in Syria pays a vibrant tribute to the 22 victims of the deadliest rampage in Canadian history. By Emmanuelle Paciullo, UNHCR Canada “I’ve never been to Nova Scotia, which is 6000 km from where I live,...
“Left Behind:” The importance of remembering refugee stories during Black History Month
Advocates and refugees share why newcomers from Africa should be celebrated and remembered as part of Canadian history. By Lidia Abraha in Toronto, Canada As we celebrate the contributions and successes of Black Canadians this month (and every month), we must remember...
Toronto refugee shelter provides safety and opportunity for newcomers
In the midst of a city-wide housing crisis, a local shelter gives newcomers the tools to find a stable beginning. By Lidia Abraha When Janet* landed in Toronto’s Pearson International Airport from Uganda, she was immediately taken to the Willowdale Welcome...
Refugee voices: Inspiring stories of young refugees in Canada
Youth Ottawa and UNHCR Canada teamed up to share the powerful stories of young refugees in Ottawa Edited by Hodman Ali in Ottawa, Canada During the summer 2019, UNHCR Canada partnered with Youth Ottawa on a storytelling initiative supporting youth engagement. Three...
Helping refugees find jobs that match their skills and experience through mentorship
With the support of Canadian mentors, refugees learn how to get started on the local job market By Rana Khan in Toronto, Canada For newly arrived refugees, finding a job is an important part of integrating into a new community, and it can give them a renewed sense of...