Iraqi refugee in B.C. reflects on new life in Prince George

While Premier Christy Clark says refugees will find a warmer welcome and a smoother transition in smaller towns in northern B.C., one woman in Fort Saint John has launched an online petition against refugees, concerned they'll take local jobs.

However, Haneen Abed, a refugee from Iraq, moved to Prince George four months ago and says she's experienced a warm welcome in her new home.

"Just in my four months staying in Prince George I haven't seen any difficulties," she told On The Coast guest host Gloria Macarenko.

"The people are very nice … I wear the hijab but no one talks to me about that. All the people smile when they see me."

Macarenko spoke to Abed about why she and her family had to leave Iraq, their experiences in Canada and what they hope to accomplish in their new country.

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Why were you in danger in Iraq?

One day, ISIS called my husband [a journalist] in the night and told him if he didn't leave the newspaper, they would kill him. Then my husband ignored that. Then one week after, his brother took a message for my husband, that it was a last message: If he didn't leave the newspaper, they would kill him. My husband decided to move to my family's house. My father talked to my husband and said we should leave Iraq.

So you decided to flee to Jordan. Why didn't you stay there until it was safe to go back to Iraq?

Iraqis can't work in Jordan — just for three months. If you stay and the police catch anyone staying more than three months, back to Iraq.

What would you say is the most difficult or challenging thing for you in your first four months in Prince George?

Just the language. Just in my four months staying in Prince George I haven't seen any difficulties. The people are very nice. I wear the hijab but no one talks to me about that. All the people smile when they see me. That is good for me.

Still, there are some people and politicians who say they don't want refugees. They're worried that refugees might have connections to ISIS. What do you think about their concerns?

Not all people in Iraq and Syria are ISIS. ISIS is not Islam. Islam teaches love and mercy. Good teachings. I hope governments see this and keep their promises.

Are you happy in a smaller community, or do you want to move to a bigger city like Vancouver?

No, I'm happy in Prince George. It's small, not big and very quiet.

Has it been hard to find work?

Yes. I'm trying to learn English and computers.

What is your dream? What about the next part of your life in Prince George?

I'd like to learn at the university because I like to study. I want my husband to get a job and for my son, a good future for him.

This interview has been condensed for length and clarity. As well, due to a language barrier, some answers are different in the web version than the actual interview.

To hear the full interview, click the audio labelled: From Iraq to Prince George: 1 refugee's story