Canada leads the world by example

Last Thursday, a group of 163 Syrian refugees set foot on Canadian soil, welcomed at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. They were handed clothes and led to their homes in communities across Canada — communities that have opened their doors and their hearts to those who have left everything behind in the hopes of finding peace and a better life.

Canada has promised that 10,000 Syrian refugees will be welcomed before the end of the year, and a further 18,000 will be welcomed by the end of February. The welcome afforded to the desperate and desolate is a genuine reflection of true Canadian spirit. For generations, Canada has opened its doors and rolled out the welcome mat to the world’s displaced — Vietnam boat people and those fleeing the Balkans and civil strife in Lebanon.

Sadly, under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada lost its heart. Thankfully, Ottawa is again showing the rest of the world what it means to care for those in need. The winter temperatures in Canada may be cold — but the welcome is warm and genuine. The rest of the world should take note.