LETTER: Let's open Communication

Let’s open communication

In response to the editorial, Welcome Syrian refugees, let’s talk (Feb. 16).

The main point of the editorial “Welcome Syrian refugees, let’s talk” seems to be that the various sponsoring groups have not passed on media requests to the families. This is incorrect. 

Shortly after the first family arrived last summer, we received requests from The Chief and other media about meeting them. We discussed the requests with that family at the time.

They considered it for several days and then informed us that they did not want to talk to or meet the press. They indicated that publicity about their move to Canada could jeopardize the safety of their family members still in Syria. We respected that decision, as did the media.

The other two families have been here for only a short time; one since October, the other late in December. No one in those two families speaks English. Hence they are unable to “give us a call” as suggested by The Chief editorial. The Sponsorship Agreement Holders that we are partnering with have made it very clear that we have a “duty of care” to the families. This includes providing them with the same level of privacy and confidentiality that is implicit in any physician-patient or lawyer-client relationship. 

This is why the information released to the press was general rather than specific. However we did provide The Chief a one page update on Jan. 15 about the families, to which there was no response.

We continue to discuss with all of the families the requests from the media to meet them. We recognize that there is considerable interest in them by the press, and by the community. They may agree to speak in the not too distant future about their experiences in travelling to Canada, and about their lives here. In the meantime we ask The Chief and other media to continue to respect their privacy.

The settlement of the families, including English tutoring, adapting to Canadian customs and weather, is being greatly aided by the local settlement services. The District Council has agreed to supply bus passes for the year, since none of them has a car. 

The School Board has been very accommodating. All of the school age children are now enrolled in school, and are enjoying it immensely – and are learning English very quickly. They are keen to learn. The parents also are keen to learn English and are being helped by both settlement services and group members. 

The families are very happy, and very grateful, to be in Canada. They also are very determined to find employment and become independent.

The sponsoring groups would like to thank the residents of Squamish for their many kindnesses and for the wonderful warm welcome they have extended to the newcomers as they quietly get on with settling into their new homes.

Hugh Kerr

Squamish United Church newcomer coordinator

Supported by sponsoring groups