VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — While the nation readies itself to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees next month, a BC man is wondering why priority wouldn’t go to those who already have family members in Canada.
Abdul Alaya is a Canadian citizen, originally from Syria, where his parents, sister and her two kids still live.
He said he has been working to move them to the Metro Vancouver area for the past three years with the help of various channels, including groups like Vancouver’s MOSAIC.
“I asked them, did you get any word from the government? They said no, we did not,” Alaya said. “I’m all for helping other people too, but start with people who have connections.”
Alaya said the pressure on communities welcoming thousands of newcomers, would be eased if the government gave priority to family ties.
“We will sponsor our family, we will take care of them financially, we will make sure they settle well here, we’ll make sure they learn the language, you don’t have to do it all in one month or two months like they’re saying. It can be done over three months, four months.”
Alaya said he hopes his message will reach the ears of decision makers in Ottawa.