Hon. Peter M. Boehm: Honourable senators, I rise today to call attention to the newcomers to Canada whom we have just recognized in the gallery. Like all refugees who come to our shores, they have stories of enduring hardship, suffering and danger related to their arrival here from their native Afghanistan. We heard a very powerful statement by Senator Ataullahjan just a few minutes ago on that subject.

I want to acknowledge the support of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, a long-time participant in the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, and the key role played by Robert and Mary Fowler. Mr. Fowler and Mrs. Fowler are distinguished Canadians with great international experience and reputations in facilitating both the processing of applications through IRCC as well as the group’s international travel and settlement in Canada.

Honourable senators, Mr. Amin Sidiqi came to Canada in July 2018, and his family — here with us today — joined him here after leaving Afghanistan on the last Canadian flight out of Kabul in August 2021. Holding a Master of Arts degree from New York University, he is now studying law at the University of Ottawa, as well as working part-time with the research team of the university’s Refugee Hub and also as a court interpreter. His spouse, Nafisa, and sons Mahdi, Abbas and Hussain are settling in and learning our official languages. At school, the boys are enjoying essay writing and debating, and have taken up soccer and, of course, hockey, as one does in our country.

Mr. Yadullah Yasa came to us via Indonesia, and he is looking to continue his university studies in Canada and to work as a filmmaker — which was his passion at university when he was forced to leave Afghanistan.

Ms. Mahmudah Sahar fled her village in Afghanistan and arrived in Canada in November of last year. She attends the Adult High School here in Ottawa. I understand that it took some persuasion to get her here today because it means that she is missing some classes. Mahmudah is working part-time in a store and hopes to pursue a career in nursing.

Honourable senators, as I look around the chamber, I am reminded that several of our colleagues came to Canada from afar, and that many, like myself, are first-generation Canadians — being the children of immigrants or, in my case, refugees. As we have seen since 1867, our country has been enriched by newcomers of all kinds who contribute to and strengthen our society in all its diversity. Canadian society is also enriched by civil society and community organizations. I mentioned the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, but there are other churches and community groups that are particularly active with respect to settling refugees from Afghanistan in this city. Of course, there are thousands of Canadians, like Robert and Mary Fowler, who have given selflessly of their time and energy in order to help newcomers come here and find their way.

May it continue to be so across our great country. Thank you.

[Translation]