Syrian refugees take citizenship oath

A group of Syrian refugees is taking the Canadian citizenship oath in an online ceremony today to mark the fifth anniversary of when the first plane carrying Syrian refugees arrived in Canada as part of the Liberal government's promise to resettle tens of thousands.

Ibrahim Nafash says he is happy it is finally happening after he and his family waited more than a year.

Five years ago today, as part of Operation Syrian Refugees, we welcomed Syrian refugees into Canada with open arms and hearts. I hope all those who’ve made their way here have felt safe and welcome. This is your home - and we’re so glad you’re here. https://t.co/RZg5v6Aueg pic.twitter.com/Jf7Xh6dQAG

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 10, 2020

He says he submitted his citizenship application in February 2019 and passed the exam that October, but his oath-taking was delayed until now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nafash says he has been working as a chef for a Middle Eastern food supplier in Montreal after learning French and attending culinary school.

Nearly 46,000 Syrian refugees were resettled in Canada by April 2017 and then more continued to arrive under other programs.

The federal Immigration Department has suspended citizenship exams since the pandemic began, creating a backlog, and it says it will launch a pilot project to begin holding exams online for about 5,000 applicants who mostly filed before the pandemic.