Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau Welcomes First Syrian Refugees at Toronto Airport

Julie Brown Patton : Dec 16, 2015
Gospel Herald

"This is a wonderful night. We get to show the world how to open our hearts and welcome in people who are fleeing extraordinarily difficult situations." -PM Justin Trudeau

Canadian leaders welcomed the country's first planeload of Syrian refugees when 163 Syrians arrived near midnight Thursday in Toronto via a Canadian military plane. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the ministers of immigration, health and defense, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Toronto Mayor John Tory all were on-hand at the airport to greet the group. (Photo: REUTERS/Mark Blinch/via Gospel Herald)

Trudeau, 43, is progressing with his pledge to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February, according to Tribune wire reports.

"We define a Canadian not by a skin color or a language or a religion or a background, but by a shared set of values, aspirations, hopes and dreams, that not just Canadians, but people around the world share," Trudeau said.(Photo: REUTERS/Mark Blinch/via Gospel Herald)

Canadian government officials had asked the general public not to come to the airport, but that did not stop some well-wishers, reported VOA News. A handful of people gathered at the international arrivals gate at Pearson airport bearing signs and gifts.

Trudeau said, "This is a wonderful night. We get to show the world how to open our hearts and welcome in people who are fleeing extraordinarily difficult situations."

Continue reading and view more photos here.