In the wake of President Trump’s refugee suspension and 7-country immigration ban, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reached out to remind asylum seekers that America’s neighbor to the the north will always accept them. In a perfectly timed tweet, Trudeau shared a simple, poignant, and powerful message: “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength.” The post was then topped off with Trudeau’s signature social media saying: “Welcome to Canada.”
Following the so-called “Muslim ban,” heartbroken refugees and immigrants from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen have been scrambling to find a solution to their sudden displacement. Though Trump’s team has made it clear that they expect the individuals to either return to or remain in their countries of origin, Trudeau and Canada’s Members of Parliament have offered an alternative option: come to Canada!
Given these recent events, Trudeau’s stance on immigration and refugees has been increasingly publicized and praised. His approach, however, is not new. In 2015—the same year that he assumed the role of Prime Minister—Canada welcomed over 6,000 asylum seekers. When the first group arrived to Toronto, Trudeau was there to personally greet them with Canadian care packages, words of assurance, and a warm embrace. “This is a wonderful night, where we get to show not just a planeload of new Canadians what Canada is all about,” he exclaimed. “We get to show the world how to open our hearts and welcome in people who are fleeing extraordinarily difficult situations.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has taken to Twitter to offer support to refugees.
To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 28, 2017
#WelcomeToCanada pic.twitter.com/47edRsHLJ5
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 28, 2017
#BienvenueAuCanada pic.twitter.com/rUhrIXiFcR
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 28, 2017
In 2015, Trudeau tweeted the same “Welcome to Canada” message, accompanied by photos of him and his staff welcoming refugees at the airport.
Welcome to Canada. pic.twitter.com/xEOn44GjJF
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 11, 2015
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h/t: [BBC News, Vice]