CALGARY – Rallies were held in Calgary and Toronto to demand that the government do more to help refugees fleeing Syria.
The image 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi washed up on a Turkish beach continues to haunt the world. He came to represent refugees desperate to flee war torn Syria and Iraq.
Rally organizers hope the tragic picture will bring about the change they have been rallying years for.
“It is sad that’s what it takes to wake us up,” said Event Organizer, Saima Jamal.
They are demanding Canada step up and open its doors to more refugees, without further delay.
“There are people here willing to donate their rooms and their houses,” said Jamal. “Can we do some community level work with the government.”
The outrage spilled onto the streets of Toronto, with hundreds calling on Ottawa to take action immediately and prevent more people from losing their lives in their quest for freedom.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday that Canada is indeed engaged and acting.
Not all Canadians agree to allow more refugees into Canada. In an online Global Calgary web poll, 78 percent said no when asked if Canada should allow more refugees in the country.
Comments