Executive Council
Advanced Education and Skills
January 13, 2016

Supporting New Residents

Premier Extends Official Welcome to Syrian Refugees in Newfoundland and Labrador

Syrian refugees were officially welcomed today at a reception hosted by the Association for New Canadians (ANC). Newfoundland and Labrador�s newest residents were greeted by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.

�The outpouring of kindness and support from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians throughout the province has been truly heartwarming. As we welcome these families to our beautiful province, it is important they know they are welcome and safe as they embark on their new lives. I encourage all residents to continue to open their hearts and show the best of what our province has to offer. We are always there to lend a hand when needed.�
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Premier Ball and Minister Byrne had the opportunity to meet several Syrian refugees today at the welcome reception at St. Pius X church in St. John�s.

�The people of Newfoundland and Labrador have a very strong history and well-deserved reputation for providing assistance and lending a hand to other parts of the world when critical assistance is needed, as is the case with Syrian refugees. The Association for New Canadians has welcomed approximately 120 Syrian refugees to Newfoundland and Labrador since late December. The Provincial Government looks forward to working together with the ANC to continue assisting refugees, and helping them settle into their new lives here.�
- The Honourable, Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

The Association for New Canadians is the only recognized Service Agreement Holder for the Government of Canada to deliver settlement programs and integration services in Newfoundland and Labrador, which includes language training, social worker support and health and wellness supports. The Canadian Refugee system is the responsibility of the Federal Government and administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

�As an association, we have been planning for several months in anticipation of Syrian refugee arrivals. We have received an overwhelming response of support from individuals, businesses and community groups throughout the province, all wanting to donate or volunteer to assist with the settlement of refugees. We look forward to helping more refugees as they settle in our province and begin new lives with their families.�
- Megan Morris, Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

For more information on efforts to assist Syrian refugees, please visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/welcome/help.asp external link or //www.ancnl.ca/ external link.

QUICK FACTS

  • Premier Dwight Ball and Minister Gerry Byrne officially welcomed Newfoundland and Labrador�s newest residents today during a welcome reception for Syrian refugees hosted by the Association for New Canadians at St. Pius X church in St. John�s.
  • More than 4.2 million Syrians have been displaced since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011.
  • The Association for New Canadians has welcomed approximately 120 Syrian refugees to Newfoundland and Labrador since late December.
  • The Canadian Refugee system is the responsibility of the Federal Government and administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

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Media contacts:

Nancy O�Connor
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-689-1825
nancyoconnor@gov.nl.ca  		John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Megan Morris
Executive Director
Association for New Canadians
709-726-6885
mmorris@nfld.net 

2016 01 13                             1:35 p.m.