World Refugee Day
Celebrating the Courage and Strength of Refugees
Posted: Monday 21st June 2010 12:57
June 20th marks World Refugee Day, and the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada invites all Islanders to reflect on its importance and this year’s theme: 'They have taken my home but they can’t take my future'. Together we celebrate the many refugees who have made Prince Edward Island their new home.
PEI helps settle approximately 70-80 refugees each year, including people from Bhutan, Burma/Myanmar, Columbia, Somalia, Congo and Afghanistan. The Bhutanese, Karen and Afghan communities number about 40-50 people each, and the Colombian community is significant with over 30 people in Charlottetown.
"PEI is made stronger by the refugees who join our communities. They bring with them hope, strength, and a new outlook on life. Their talents, skills and stories make our island a more diverse and interesting place," says Craig Mackie, PEI ANC Executive Director.
Each year Canada accepts thousands of refugees, including those who come and successfully claim refugee status. However, there are still millions of refugees living in refugee camps worldwide who have known only violence and despair. This is why the refugees who journey to the Island see it as a new life, home and future.
The PEI ANC is encouraging Islanders to mark June 20th as a day to celebrate the courage of refugees, and the strength, hope and joy they bring to PEI communities as new Canadians.
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