Chris Friesen, ISSofBC’s Chief Operating Officer, has worked in the Canadian settlement sector for over 30 years. During that period, he supported multiple humanitarian initiatives, but one of the most challenging was Operation Syrian Refugee, Canada’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2016-2017. Through this operation, 25,000 Syrian refugees were welcomed into Canada, including approximately 3,600 in British Columbia alone.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of one of Canada’s most significant humanitarian responses, Chris looks back on his role in Operation Syrian Refugee and reflects on how the humanitarian and settlement sector in Canada has changed since then.
“How time flies.
Ten years ago, Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) was at the forefront of British Columbia’s response to Operation Syrian Refugees. The outpouring of public support was overwhelming; it felt like “drinking from a fire hydrant of humanity.”
With optimism (and a bit of naivety), we hosted a press conference that we didn’t realise would be broadcast live across the province. Standing at the podium with shaky legs and a dry mouth, we asked for help: housing options, job opportunities, and volunteers to welcome and support Syrian refugees arriving on an incredibly tight timeline.
The response was so strong that it crashed our rudimentary systems.
From two nights spent on the floor of a Children’s Hospital room – my son had broken his leg in several places – my dedicated colleagues and I worked around the clock to build a plan. In record time, we hired more than 50 additional staff and opened nine reception centres across Metro Vancouver.
I also had the privilege of co-chairing, with former Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Director-General and dear friend Deborah Tunis, a quickly convened national meeting in Toronto. It brought together Non-Governmental Organisations, federal, provincial, and territorial partners, the International Organisation of Migration (IOM), the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR), the Canadian Red Cross, and many others to create a coordinated post-arrival settlement plan.
It was truly an all-of-Canada effort.
Running on adrenaline, little sleep, constant problem-solving, and significant logistical challenges – often under intense media attention – we worked alongside government partners, the settlement sector, and civil society to deliver the most essential humanitarian resettlement response in Canadian history within the shortest time frame.
Today, Syrian newcomers continue to contribute in countless positive ways to B.C. and Canada. It was an honour to be part of this extraordinary moment in our history.”
What can you do?
If you’re committed to supporting newcomers today, through hiring, volunteering, or advocacy, connect with ISSofBC and be part of the next chapter of impact. Learn how here.
