Today is World Refugee Day, a day to celebrate tolerance and diversity and open our hearts to refugees from around the world, says Minister Richard Brown, Workforce and Advanced Learning.
“June 20th is a very special day, observed internationally each year to raise awareness of the situations faced by refugees everywhere. It is a time to show our compassion and solidarity for all people, and welcome new Islanders to our beautiful province,” said Minister Brown.
Islanders are encouraged to take part in the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC)’s World Refugee Day walk, taking place today at 12:00 pm at Province House. A reception will follow the walk at the PEIANC office located at 49 Water Street in Charlottetown.
Prince Edward Island has a rich history of welcoming refugees and a strong network of private sponsor and settlement groups with decades of experience providing support to refugees. Since 2001, more than 1,000 people have come to Prince Edward Island as refugees, many of whom have made the Island their permanent home. In the past number of years, the Province has welcomed 40-60 refugees on an annual basis. Since November 2015, as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to settle 25,000 Syrian refugees, PEI has welcomed 222 Syrian refugees. By the end of December 2016, Prince Edward Island expects to welcome another 80 refugees.
Additionally, a Ministerial Advisory Council (MAC) on Refugees was established to ensure the province was ready to welcome and settle its new Islanders. MAC representatives include individuals from private refugee sponsor groups, the Canadian Red Cross, faith groups, settlement providers, and Government officials.
Over 60 million people are displaced in the world today, equating to one out of every 122 persons who are forced to flee their homes to escape war, persecution, or natural disasters. The Syrian war remains the single biggest generator of both refugees and internally displaced persons.
The Province thanks all Islanders for their heartfelt compassion and generosity in welcoming refugees to Prince Edward Island. Today, on World Refugee Day, please take a moment to reflect on refugee hardships, their courage, and resilience.