“We don’t come to Canada simply looking for a safe harbour. We come ready to build, to serve, and to give back.
I arrived in Canada with nothing but hope. Today, I have a career, a community, and opportunities I could never have imagined. My experience is a testament to what becomes possible when refugees are welcomed, supported, and given the chance to contribute.
Canada gave me that chance. In return, I am committed to helping make Canada even stronger.”
— Ebrahim Al-Yousefi, Yemen
As we head to World Refugee Day on June 20, we are reminded of something important:
Canada is strongest when we are open, inclusive and welcoming.
World Refugee Day is a time to focus on the facts.
👉 Read the report: Refugees are good for Canada
Refugees strengthen Canada — economically, socially and culturally.
They contribute, not take away.
They are part of Canada’s success.
Across British Columbia and Canada, refugees:
- Start businesses and create jobs
- Work in healthcare, education and skilled trades
- Bring new ideas, languages and cultures
- Support others as mentors, leaders and volunteers.
At a time when migration is often debated, it is important to stay grounded in evidence.
The report shows that refugees:
- Contribute to economic growth over time
- Fill labour shortages in key sectors
- Strengthen communities through participation and leadership.
One inspiring example is Alphonso Davies. Born to Liberian refugee parents in a refugee camp in Ghana, he arrived in Canada at the age of five. Today, he is one of the world’s most recognized soccer players and captain of Canada’s men’s national team.
His story reflects the potential that newcomers and refugees bring to our country when given the opportunity to thrive.
Behind the data are people whose contributions are helping strengthen communities across Canada.
Real Stories. Real Impact.
Across Canada, refugees are building new lives — and contributing in meaningful ways:
Abdullah Abunafeesa (Sudan)
Now an ISSofBC Board member and a lawyer — providing leadership and expertise.
Hamoudi Saleh Baratta (Syria)
Arrived during Operation Syria. Today, he works as a software engineer after studying in Canada.
Rasha Youssef (Syria)
Former Syrian refugee and now a small business owner on Granville Island — contributing to the local economy and culture.
Ebrahim Al-Yousefi (Yemen)
Giving back through technical skills and advancing his education with major scholarships.
Dacious Richardson (Liberia)
Through RARE, he supports youth through sport, mentorship and leadership development. To him, soccer is everything.
Oliver Kabalisa (Libya)
Studying biomedical engineering to improve patient care through innovation.
These are not rare stories. They show what happens when people are given the chance to succeed.
Refugees are not a short-term cost — they are a long-term investment in Canada’s future.
Welcome Matters
The FIFA World Cup is a global event that brings people together.
As Vancouver prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and welcome people from all over the world, we are reminded of something important:
Welcoming people is not new. It is part of who we are.
The same spirit we show to visitors should guide how we welcome refugees — people who come to build their lives here.
10 Years of Welcome and Community
This year, ISSofBC reflects on:
10 years since Operation Syria
We thank all current and former staff who worked on the Syrian resettlement project from 2015 to 2017.
10 years since we opened the ISSofBC Welcome Centre
An all-in-one newcomer service hub and a world-first model studied by more than 37 countries.
These milestones show what is possible when communities come together with compassion and coordination.
Take Action
You can help build a stronger, more inclusive Canada:
👉 Learn and share the facts about refugees
👉 Donate to refugee programming or become a volunteer through ISSofBC
👉 Send a message to your MP or sign the Canadian Council for Refugees petition to the Prime Minister
👉 Welcome newcomers in your community.
