Syrian Refugees Settle In New Brunswick

New Brunswick has welcomed thousands of Syrian refugees since 2015, with the province setting a 70-year immigration record in 2016. The Maritime province has the highest number of Syrian refugees per capita in Canada, with nearly 2,000 immigrants arriving in the first three months of 2016, of which at least 60% were Syrian refugees. The influx of refugees has helped ease the refugee backlog in larger Canadian cities, with New Brunswick cabinet minister Francine Landry stating in 2016 that the province could handle 1,500 Syrian refugees. While the province has successfully retained about 95% of the refugees, challenges remain in ensuring the remainder stay and become integrated into their new communities.

New Brunswick's high demand for Syrian refugees

New Brunswick has been described as crying out for Syrian refugees, with Immigration Minister John McCallum stating that the province has stepped up and offered to bring in more refugees. This demand is driven by several factors, including the province's willingness to ease the refugee backlog in other cities, its capacity to integrate refugees, and its need for workers due to its aging population.

Easing the Refugee Backlog

Larger Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, and Vancouver, have struggled to find permanent housing for refugees, leading to requests for temporary delays in the arrival of government-assisted refugees. In contrast, New Brunswick has the capacity to accommodate more refugees, with communities like Hampton raising funds and securing apartments for newcomers.

Integrating Refugees

New Brunswick has been successful in integrating Syrian refugees, with a retention rate of approximately 95%. The province provides various settlement services, such as translation and housing assistance, which are appreciated by the refugees. However, more needs to be done to ensure that refugees remain in the province, including improving their access to the labour market and addressing language barriers.

Addressing the Aging Population

The aging population of New Brunswick has resulted in a declining population and a need for workers. By welcoming Syrian refugees, the province can address this demographic challenge and fill job vacancies. Premier Brian Gallant has emphasized New Brunswick's eagerness to take in a larger share of refugees, highlighting the availability of jobs in sectors like fish processing.

The number of Syrian refugees in New Brunswick

In 2016, New Brunswick welcomed an influx of Syrian refugees, setting what was likely a 70-year immigration record. At least 60% of the almost 2,000 immigrants who arrived in the province during the first three months of that year were Syrian refugees. This was double the number of international immigrants arriving in New Brunswick in any year since comprehensive record-keeping began in 1971.

New Brunswick has settled the largest number of Syrian refugees per capita in Canada, close to double the national average. The cities of Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John alone have each taken in more than 400 refugees.

In 2016, the New Brunswick Multicultural Association reported that the province had managed to retain roughly 95% of the Syrian refugees who settled there, with only about 5% of the 261 settled families choosing to relocate. However, it is common for some refugees to leave a province after settling, often to reunite with family in other cities.

In 2015, the government of Canada committed to taking in 25,000 government-assisted refugees from camps in Lebanon and Turkey, as well as directly from Syria. Almost 2,000 of these refugees settled in New Brunswick.

A 2019 study by the University of New Brunswick found that Syrian newcomers to New Brunswick appreciate the low cost of living and the friendliness of the province, but face challenges in finding work and learning English. The study's author, Mikael Hellstrom, recommended that the provincial government provide funding for bridging programs in key occupations and develop internship programs that would allow refugees to learn English on the job.

The integration of Syrian refugees in New Brunswick

One of the main challenges in integrating Syrian refugees is employment. While the province offers a favourable job market for refugees, with industries such as fish processing requiring workers, newcomers often face hurdles in getting their professional credentials recognized. This results in refugees taking lower-level jobs or having to navigate the challenge of learning a new language. To facilitate labour market entry, the provincial government has been advised to provide funding for bridging programs and develop internship programs that would allow refugees to learn English on the job.

Settlement services, such as translation and housing, have been appreciated by the Syrian refugees, contributing to their overall satisfaction with living in the province. The low cost of living, friendly atmosphere, and suitable environment for raising a family are among the positive aspects highlighted by the newcomers.

However, one challenge that the growing Muslim community in New Brunswick faces is finding a suitable cemetery for their burial rituals. Currently, the nearest Muslim cemetery is in Sussex, a 120-kilometre drive from Fredericton, which can be inconvenient and risky, especially for larger funeral processions. The Muslim community in Fredericton is actively searching for a permanent cemetery closer to home, respecting their religious customs and the right to bury their dead with dignity.

Overall, the integration of Syrian refugees in New Brunswick involves addressing various social, economic, and cultural factors. While there are challenges, the province has shown a commitment to welcoming and supporting Syrian newcomers, and the integration process continues to evolve.

The challenges faced by Syrian refugees in New Brunswick

New Brunswick has welcomed a significant number of Syrian refugees in recent years, and while the province has made efforts to integrate these newcomers, several challenges remain. Here are some of the key challenges faced by Syrian refugees in New Brunswick:

Language Barrier

Language is a significant challenge for many Syrian refugees in New Brunswick. A large number of adult Syrian refugees arrive with little to no knowledge of English or French, the two official languages in Canada. Learning a new language can be a daunting task, and it poses a barrier to their ability to find employment, access services, and fully integrate into their new communities. Settlement agencies and the provincial government are providing language training, but it remains a challenge, especially for those who are also dealing with trauma and other settlement issues.

Employment and Financial Stability

While New Brunswick has jobs available, particularly in areas like fish processing, finding employment can still be challenging for Syrian refugees. Many refugees face difficulties in getting their foreign qualifications recognized, and some may need to retrain or upgrade their skills to meet Canadian standards or labour market demands. Additionally, the transition from federal to provincial social assistance has caused uncertainty for some refugees, and they may need support in achieving financial stability.

Housing

Housing has been an issue for Syrian refugees across Canada, including in New Brunswick. Larger cities in particular have struggled to find permanent housing for newcomers, which has resulted in delays in refugee arrivals. While some communities in New Brunswick have successfully raised funds and secured housing for refugees, ensuring adequate and affordable housing for all refugees remains a challenge.

Retention and Community Integration

While New Brunswick has managed to retain a high percentage of Syrian refugees, with approximately 95% choosing to stay, there is still a risk of departures. Some refugees may decide to leave for larger cities or to reunite with family and friends in other parts of Canada. To prevent this, it is crucial to focus on integrating refugees into their new communities and ensuring that their needs are met. This includes not only language training and employment support but also addressing any trauma or mental health issues resulting from their experiences before and during their displacement.

Access to Services

Accessing social services, healthcare, and education can be challenging for Syrian refugees, especially those who have limited language proficiency. Navigating the complex systems and processes required to access these services can be difficult, and language and cultural barriers can further complicate the matter.

Overall, while New Brunswick has made significant strides in welcoming and supporting Syrian refugees, challenges remain. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort from government, settlement agencies, and community organizations to ensure that refugees can successfully integrate and thrive in their new province.

The impact of Syrian refugees on New Brunswick's population

The arrival of Syrian refugees in New Brunswick has had a significant impact on the province's population. In the first three months of 2016, the province welcomed almost 2,000 immigrants, of which at least 60% were Syrian refugees. This influx of refugees contributed to a notable population increase, with New Brunswick's population growing by 1,133 people during this period, the largest gain in six years.

New Brunswick has been described as "crying out" for Syrian refugees, and the province has actively offered to receive more refugees as larger Canadian cities struggle to accommodate them. The province's willingness to accept refugees is partly due to its ageing population and the need for more workers. The arrival of Syrian refugees has helped address labour shortages and contributed to economic growth.

However, the integration of Syrian refugees into New Brunswick's communities remains a challenge. While the province has successfully retained about 95% of the refugees, some have relocated to larger centres across Canada. Language barriers, employment opportunities, and the desire to reunite with family members in other cities are among the reasons for relocation.

To retain Syrian refugees and ensure their successful integration, New Brunswick needs to address employment barriers and facilitate their entry into the labour market. Recognising professional credentials and developing internship programs are suggested strategies to enhance their employment prospects and overall settlement experience.

Overall, the arrival of Syrian refugees has had a notable impact on New Brunswick's population, contributing to demographic changes, economic growth, and cultural diversity. The province's efforts to welcome and integrate refugees have helped shape its population dynamics and addressed labour shortages. However, ongoing support and integration initiatives are necessary to retain refugees and ensure their long-term success in the province.

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