National

Syrian refugees take citizenship oath

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Dec, 2020 06:26 PM

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.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

COVID19 outbreak at Burnaby Hospital results in 55 testing positive for COVID19 and 5 deaths

There are currently 55 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 at Burnaby Hospital. There have been five deaths. There are also 40 staff cases that are under investigation to determine if they are connected to the outbreak.

COVID19 outbreak at Burnaby Hospital results in 55 testing positive for COVID19 and 5 deaths

B.C. man steps in to help reunite American family

The family's pickup truck was pulling a U-Haul and did not have the appropriate winter tires to get through the winding, mountainous roads when they stopped at a highway lodge for temporary workers in Pink Mountain, B.C.

B.C. man steps in to help reunite American family

Alberta announces tougher restrictions

Premier Jason Kenney says there are to be no indoor gatherings, but people who live alone can have up to two personal contacts.

Alberta announces tougher restrictions

Shugart testifies on WE document redactions

Ian Shugart says another 2.5 per cent were redacted because they contained information about other matters that were not relevant to a committee inquiry into the WE controversy.

Shugart testifies on WE document redactions

Families of Max crash victims say plane is unsafe

Paul Njoroge, whose wife, three children and mother-in-law died in the March 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, told the House of Commons transport committee Tuesday the aircraft is still "unstable.

Families of Max crash victims say plane is unsafe

No more charges in Bountiful, B.C., investigation

The B.C. Prosecution Service says in a statement the decision from special prosecutor Peter Wilson brings the matter to a close after years of investigations and charge assessments.