As millions of Syrians continue to be displaced due to conflict in their home country, the Government of Canada committed to work with Canadians, including private sponsors, non-governmental organizations, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February, 2016. A significant number of refugees are expected to settle in Toronto. TEQ LIP is committed to working with our partners in Scarborough in preparation and support of settlement of Syrian Refugees.
This page centralizes information including links to resources and information on the multitude of initiatives happening across Toronto and nationwide. Please select the category below to access relevant information or scroll down to read further.
- Understanding Syrian Refugees
- Initiatives and Events happening in Toronto
- Media Release and Community Updates
- Services and Supports
- Information on Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Community Updates
UNDERSTANDING SYRIAN REFUGEES
Population Profile – Syrian Refugees
Refugees from Syria – Backgrounder
INITIATIVES AND EVENTS HAPPENING IN TORONTO:
MEDIA RELEASE AND COMMUNITY UPDATES:
- Canadian kids welcome Syrian families to Canada at “play date” event_MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 5, 2016 /CNW/
- New program offers summer camp experience to Syrian newcomers_TORONTO, Feb. 29, 2016 /CNW/– Glen Bernard Camp opening spaces for 24 female Syrian newcomers this summer
- Syrian Newcomer Mothers celebrate first Mother’s Day in Canada!_VAUGHAN, ON, March 10, 2016 /CNW/
- Syrian Refugee Arrival Report_Dec 10 2015 to Feb 29, 2016
- Situation Report – Syrian Refugee Resettlement_City of Toronto_Mar 14, 2016
- Toronto Central LHIN Syrian Refugee Update_April 7, 2016
SERVICES & SUPPORTS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES:
Before Arrival:
- Accelerated Process for Welcoming Privately Sponsored Syrian Refugees to Canada. Privately sponsored refugees typically come to Canada through Sponsorship Agreement Holders, Groups of Five or Community Sponsors who will provide financial, social and emotional support for one year. – Click here for details
- Information on Toll Free Number for Private Sponsors – The toll free number for private sponsors which is 1-877-290-1701. The number is managed by the Catholic Crosscultural Services – Refugee Sponsorship Training Program. Support and information is available to sponsors at every stage of the sponsorship process. Click here for more information
- Guide to the first year after arrival – Lifeline Syria’s sponsor handbook – Click here
- Lifeline Syria Challenge – Ryerson University, OCAD University, University of Toronto and York University have joined together to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. The GTA University Lifeline Syria Challenge has committed to sponsoring 75 Syrian refugee families or 300 people (Read more)
- Refugee Sponsorship Training Program provides a multitude of resources for private sponsors – Click here
- Syrian Family Links initiative – Bringing Syrian refugees and sponsors together. Through this initiative, Syrians in Canada can identify family members who are refugees in Lebanon, Jordan or Turkey and help link them with local sponsorship groups in Canada who are seeking someone to sponsor. – Click here to details
After Arrival:
Employment Support
- Welcome to Ontario – Employment Ontario Fact Sheet
Health Services
- Connecting to Health Care – Comprehensive Primary Care is Available for Syrian Refugees Across the GTA
- Emergency Management – Syrian Refugees by Ontario Min. of Health and Long-term care. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is working with federal, provincial and health system partners to support Syrian refugee resettlement in Ontario. Click here for more information.
- Health Care for Refugee Claiments – Interim Federal Health Program Coverage for Syrian Refugees
- Health Clinics for Syrian Refugees – All refugees are encouraged to connect with a physician or nurse practitioner as soon as they can after arrival even if there are no medical complaints. Sponsoring groups and settlement workers are encouraged to book an appointment as soon as one knows that families are arriving by calling 416-323-6400 ext 5905. Multiple clinics are booking appointments beginning Dec. 10th. Click here for more information.
- Expanded List of Primary Health Care Agencies for Syrian Refugees
- Health Care Services for People without Insurance in Toronto – New !
- Refugee Health Line Fact Sheet – Dec 17, 2015
- Refugee Welcome Donation Centre – Cultural Link
- Syrian Refugee Health Care Options in Ontario
Housing, Food bank & Furniture Bank
- Donating clothing, furniture and time in support of Syrian refugees – Click here
- H.O.M.E Housing Opportunities & Marketplace Exchange – Connecting Refugees with Housing & Resources – Click here
Settlement Services:
- Caring for Syrian Refugee Children – A Program Guide for Welcoming Young Children and Their Families
- Centre Francophone Offers Services in French to Syrian Refugees
- Guide to the first year after arrival – Lifeline Syria’s sponsor handbook – Click here
- Expedites Legal Aid Certificates for Syrian refugee claimants
- Integration of French-speaking Syrian Refugees
- New website by OCASI to provide information for those helping Syrian refugees settle in Ontario: www.welcomeontario.ca
Service Directory and Newcomers Guides
- Families for Families – Welcome to Toronto_Welcome Binder
- Services available in Arabic and Armenian Languages in Scarborough
- Service Directory – Services in Scarborough
Volunteering Opportunity to Help Syrian Refugees
SPARKOntario has tailored their site to feature volunteer opportunities related to Syrian refugees, and to share stories about how volunteers are making a difference. Click here for more information and to participate.
Information on Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Community Updates
- Global Affairs Canada brings together information about Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria, including refugee resettlement and humanitarian assistance
- Government of Canada’s provides information on the progress of settling Syrian refugees including milestones and key figures and an interactive map on which communities are welcoming refugees: #welcomeRefugees
- Government of Ontario have created a page to connect sponsors, donors, services and support systems – Click here
- Information on the City of Toronto’s refugee resettlement response: www.toronto.ca/refugees For more information read commonly asked questions Click here
- Services available at Toronto Public Library – Click here
- Settlement pathways for privately sponsored refugees – Resource document – Click here
Your First Two Weeks in Canada
This site will be updated regularly with new links and current information. If you have questions or suggestions with regards to the Syrian Refugee Crisis Response please contact any member of the TEQ LIP team.