The Government of Canada site “Canada: A History of Refugees”.

It shows the history of Canada (1776-2011) accepting other human beings living in impossible conditions who had to leave their homes and were generously accepted by Canadians. They made their new lives here contributing to the Canada we are proud of today.

We have benefitted from that generosity and will continue to do so with future refugees. Some of them ended up being criminals; but most work serving us in hospitals, restaurants, convenience stores, schools etc.

The disgraceful situation some Canadian-born citizens live in has nothing to do with our inability to help them solve their problems. We have not been doing it right or well. It is also not a reflection on the number of refugees who have come to this country or will continue to come to this country.

I believe we can make this country a sanctuary for all of us. We need to speak up for the Canadian-born who are suffering and the refugees who have been displaced from their homelands and want to make Canada their homeland.

Please try to not be afraid; open your hearts and minds to make this work for all. Find a way to help others. Lest We Forget.

Barbara Burns