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Syrian refugees facing uncertainty as year of federal funding coming to end

Dec 14, 2016 | 3:54 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Safety and freedom.

Speaking through an interpreter, those are the two things Rabeaa Munia and her husband, Samir, like the most about Canada.

After fleeing war-torn Syria, the couple spent nearly four years in Jordan before arriving in Medicine Hat last year along with their four children.

Alaa Araouri also fled the war torn country and arrived here in January, just in time for winter.

“Snow. I like snow,” he said with a smile.

All three have been taking English classes and say they’re grateful for the support they’ve received from the federal government. But that support was only for a year and with it running out, they’re nervous about what happens next.

“Some confusion right now in this month, because after that he has no money,” said the interpreter for Samir Munia. “He tried to get a job, but no job right now.”

He`s not alone. According to Saamis Immigration, none of the nearly 100 refugees who arrived in Medicine Hat have found full-time employment. Several, however, have landed part-time jobs. To help, the agency has held a couple of job fairs and have offered practice interviews.

Araouri worked in a restaurant back in Syria making different meals and sweets and says he’d like to open a place here. But until then, he’s interviewed for a cafeteria job at CFB Suffield.

“The first thing, he needs to get a job to support his family, doesn’t matter if open the restaurant,” said the interpreter.

Araouri only just interviewed for the position and is holding on to hope he gets the job before his funding runs out in January.

While the pressure is on for many refugees, Provincial Labour Minister Christina Gray says they won`t be left on their own when the federal funding stops.

“When Syrian refugees land in Alberta they are a permanent resident, and like all Albertans they have access to a wide range of employment training support, including income support,” she said.

She says the province is working with refugees one-on-one to help them apply for provincial aid and adds they’re also still working with the federal government to make sure they have support.

“Just recently Alberta has been advocating for more federal funds to put into ESL classes and the federal government has answered that call,” said Gray.

As for the refugees who have settled into our community, they say they’re so thankful for all the support and kindness of Canadians.