251 Afghan refugees begin resettlement process in Calgary
Canada has welcomed the first cohort of refugees from Afghanistan under a special program for human rights defenders as announced by the federal government in July.
The first planeload arrived at the Calgary International Airport on Tuesday.
There are a total of 251 newcomers that are receiving supports at a northeast Calgary hotel, 170 of them under the special program for interpreters, human rights advocates and journalists.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
During a break for fresh air, Baqer Rezai, 31, made his first impressions of Calgary.
"I think it's very cold, but I like Canada, really."
Afghanistan fell to Taliban rule in August after foreign military forces left making life dangerous for those who assisted the Canadian Forces or held occupations as human rights advocates or journalists.
"When the Taliban came and captured Kabul city, the situation became very tough, very hard, especially for the guys who are working for the government."
Abdulwali Ahmadi became a Canadian newcomer in August shortly after the evacuation efforts. He is a former interpreter for the Canadian military and is now employed with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS).
"It's unforgettable the help from Canadians they played a very vital role for us."
COMMITTED TO RESETTLING 40,000 AFGHAN REFUGEES
The Canadian government has committed to resettling 40,000 Afghan refugees over a two-year span with two ports of entry located in Toronto and Calgary.
"Calgary was chosen to be a hub because we have one of the largest settlement agencies across the country and obviously there is capacity, it's a medium-sized city," said Bindu Narula, director of resettlement for CCIS.
"Refugees are people that have been forced out of their country of origin and they can't find safety they might have been persecuted or they might have been tortured. For us to be able to help them along their resettlement journey is an amazing privilege," said Narula.
MULTIPLE AGENCIES ASSISTING
Multiple agencies at the hotel are providing medical screenings, COVID-19 testing, providing winter clothing, cleaning supplies, and are helping with administrative immigration processes.
The CEO of CCIS and co-chair of national Afghan resettlement operation says that volunteers and staff are also offering kindness.
"The first two weeks of arrival in any country it actually creates a mindset for them. They develop trust and confidence," Fariborz Birjandian, who has been resettling newcomers for over 30 years.
So far Canada has resettled more than 6,700 Afghan refugees.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.