Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
National

Ottawa Looking At Reuniting Syrian Family After Fire Claims Seven Children: PM Trudeau

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Feb, 2019 09:11 PM

    HALIFAX — Justin Trudeau says the federal government is taking steps to reunite a Syrian refugee in Halifax with family members living overseas following a devastating house fire that killed the woman's seven children and left her husband badly burned.


    "We are looking at what can be done within our system to give this family a little solace in a time of unbelievable tragedy," the prime minister said after a funding announcement in Halifax.


    "I can't comment on specific cases, but in heartbreaking cases like this we're certainly looking at doing what we can to bring this family that has suffered such a devastating loss together."


    Kawthar Barho and her husband Ebraheim arrived in Nova Scotia with their children as privately sponsored refugees in September 2017.


    Early Tuesday, a fast-moving fire killed all seven of their children, prompting a outpouring of grief and support from across the country.


    With his wife at his side in a Halifax hospital, Ebraheim Barho remains in a medically induced coma.


    A funeral for the children, who range in age from three months to 14 years, is expected either Friday or Saturday.


    Trudeau said Halifax MP Andy Fillmore had already contacted Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen about expediting the immigration process for family members.

     


    Kawthar Barho has no other relatives living in Canada.


    "I can tell you that this is a case that the minister is giving personal attention to," said Trudeau, who was among hundreds of people who gathered for a vigil in Halifax's main square Wednesday night in support of the Barhos.


    Fillmore said immigration applications were being reviewed Thursday.


    "This is an absolute priority to get this done as quickly as possible," he said. "I think it's absolutely critical that we get those family members here as quickly as we can."


    The Liberal MP said he had met with Kawthar at the hospital, where she was asked if there was anything federal officials could do to help.


    "She made it clear that it was her family," Fillmore said.

     


    At Wednesday's vigil, Ali Duane, a member of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, urged all Canadians to pressure Ottawa to bring Kawthar Barho's family members to Nova Scotia.


    The Barhos had only lived in the Halifax suburb of Spryfield for a few months, having moved to the city from Elmsdale, N.S., to take advantage of language training and other immigrant services.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Roopesh Rajkumar Accused Of Killing 11-Year-Old Daughter Riya Rajkumar Dies In Hospital, Police Say

    Roopesh Rajkumar had been hospitalized with what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound since shortly after his arrest.

    Roopesh Rajkumar Accused Of Killing 11-Year-Old Daughter Riya Rajkumar Dies In Hospital, Police Say

    Classes Cancelled At Private Delta, B.C. School Following Double Stabbing

    Classes have been cancelled at a private elementary school in Delta, B.C., following the stabbing of an off-duty police officer and a woman on Wednesday.     

    Classes Cancelled At Private Delta, B.C. School Following Double Stabbing

    Missing Surrey Woman RAJWINDER BAINS Found Dead, Homicide Detectives Called In

    THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is requesting public assistance to further its investigation into the death of 38-year-old Rajwinder Bains of Surrey.

    Missing Surrey Woman RAJWINDER BAINS Found Dead, Homicide Detectives Called In

    Halifax Fire Claims Seven Children: Syrian Family Caught In Fire Thought They Would Be Safe In Canada

    HALIFAX — At 30 years of age, Syrian refugee Kawthar Barho had seen her share of suffering and death before she came to Canada with her family.

    Halifax Fire Claims Seven Children: Syrian Family Caught In Fire Thought They Would Be Safe In Canada

    Canadian Advocates, Bishops At Odds Over How To Tackle Sex Abuse Ahead Of Summit

    Canada's top Catholic bishop says he hopes to emphasize the importance of believing victims when he discusses sexual abuse with his international counterparts during a gathering at the Vatican this week.

    Canadian Advocates, Bishops At Odds Over How To Tackle Sex Abuse Ahead Of Summit

    Vancouver Granville Community Leaders Voice Support For MP Jody Wilson-Raybould

    The intention of the note was to convey that sometimes what looks like a curse can actually be a blessing.

    Vancouver Granville Community Leaders Voice Support For MP Jody Wilson-Raybould