Christmas Fund: Recent Refugees Eager to Work But Awaiting Permits

“We would love to find something in our field, but it is not necessary. The day we can work legally, we will take as much as we can.”

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Threatened by a dangerous situation in their home country of Lebanon, Yara, her husband and their seven-year-old son had no choice but to quickly flee to Canada in the hope of starting a new life.

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“We had to leave everything behind,” Yara said. But at least the three of us are here. Our little family is safe. “

They came here only a few months ago, but after a difficult week transitioning to a new school, Yara’s son is thriving. It didn’t take long for him to adjust to the pronunciation of French in Quebec compared to the French he was used to, he said.

For Yara and her husband, the situation is a bit more complicated. They are currently waiting for their work permits, but in the meantime they cannot get a job. That means they are struggling to make ends meet with no way to figure it out. Yara feels helpless.

“We work together in the kitchen design business in Lebanon,” he said. “Some people have told us to work under the table here, but we could never do that. We have to do things right in our new country, even if it makes life a lot more difficult right now. “

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Yara is not resting on her laurels. Although she already speaks French, she is taking online classes to improve her fluency. She is also looking to volunteer, as a way to get out of the house but also to introduce herself to the community. You have sent some probes, but have not received a response. Currently, your days are filled with checking your email, your mailbox, and the clock while you wait to pick your child up from school.

“We can’t wait to get to work,” he said. “We would love to find something in our field, but it is not necessary. The day we can legally work, we will take as much as we can. “

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