Canadians from across the country have come together to welcome and support Syrian refugee families. On March 31, 2019, I was proud to recognize Cecilia, Bob, and Helen with the MP’s Citizenship Award for their leadership as part of the Lawrence Park Community Church Newcomers Committee and to thank all the volunteers from the community who came together to welcome a family in need.

March 31st was also a special day as Ian McBride, former Executive Director of AURA took his well-deserved retirement. Ian embodies the best of Canadian citizens; he is welcoming, intelligent, compassionate and strong. For over 2 decades, he has guided refugee resettlement through AURA and has facilitated countless refugees to make the incredible contributions they have in our country. It was an honour to recognize Ian at the end of his career with my Member of Parliament’s Award for Citizenship.\