Syrian refugees began entering Canada one year ago, and the financial help they have been receiving from the federal government is coming to an end.
The situation is complicated: while Syrians are happy to be in Canada, the language barrier has made it difficult for some of them to find an alternate source of income.
“Everything is good here. We have a good life in Canada,” Jabir Duwid told CTV Edmonton through a translator. “The greatest barrier for finding work is the language.”
Duwid’s financial help ends in January and he is feeling pressure to find a job and make a life for his four children in Canada.
“If I don’t get the approval from Alberta Works, that will be more pressure on me to support my family financially,” he said.
Ahmad Alzouabi was fortunate to find contract work, but he finds himself in a similar position.
“My family, my children, they don’t speak English, so that was more pressure on my shoulders to take responsibility for them,” Alzouabi said.
The future is uncertain and Syrians are feeling pressure to make ends meet, but at least they are in Canada now.
“I’m very lucky to be here every morning,” Alzouabi said. “When I wake up and I realize I am here, it is very great.”
