Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
June 20, 2017
Minister Byrne Encourages Public to Mark World Refugee Day
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, is encouraging Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to mark World Refugee Day, Tuesday, June 20.
Established by the United Nations, World Refugee Day commemorates the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees around the world. It also provides an opportunity for citizens of host countries to express solidarity with families forced to flee their homes.
Since 2013, Newfoundland and Labrador has welcomed more than 830 refugees to communities throughout the province.
World Refugee Day events include a walk to express solidarity with refugees, beginning this afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at the Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council, 50 Harbour Drive, St. John’s.
Additional events include a film screening and a human library exchange. For more information, visit: riac.ca/events .
The Association for New Canadians is also organizing a series of World Refugee Day events, including a photo exhibition at St. John’s City Hall and a volunteer appreciation night. For more information, visit: www.ancnl.ca/.
Quotes
“We all have a role to play in assisting those who seek refuge on our shores. World Refugee Day is a good reminder of the need for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to come together as a community to welcome newcomers who arrive as refugees. It is also a day to celebrate the accomplishments of former refugees who built new lives here and made this province their home.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
Learn more
Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council - riac.ca/
Association for New Canadians - www.ancnl.ca/
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @AESL_GovNL
Media contact
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca
2017 06 20 9:40 a.m.