Syrian refugee crisis: Ottawa residents, politicians working to help

From families pledging to help Syrian refugees come to Canada, to Ottawa's mayor wanting to help, to Syrian refugees who managed to escape the war — the refugee crisis has had an effect in Canada's capital. 

• How Canadians can help Syrian refugees
• Canada's refugee policy questioned after Syrian boy's drowning
• The death of a Syrian boy puts Harper on the defensive

On Thursday, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson wrote a letter to federal immigration minister Chris Alexander asking how the city could help bring more Syrian refugees to Canada.

This is being compared to 1979, when the Vietnamese Boat People were welcomed to Ottawa by then mayor, Marion Dewar, the late mother of Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar.

The long process of sponsoring a Syrian refugee

9 years ago

Duration 3:13

From paperwork to cost, the CBC's Judy Trinh looks into what it takes to sponsor a Syrian refugee.

Some Syrian refugees who now live in Canada say they are grateful for their escape from the war-torn country.

However, they watch the news continue to flow out and expressed how painful and heartbreaking this has become.

Jim Watson pledges help for Syrian refugees

9 years ago

Duration 2:05

Ottawa mayor writes letter to federal government asking for guidance.

One Ottawa couple is pledging to help bring more Syrian refugees to Canada. 

Immigration lawyer Jamie Liew and her husband cited a so-called lack of government action as the reason for initiating a private sponsorship of a Syrian family.

Liew said she hopes others will join them. 

Syrian refugees watch crisis with broken hearts

9 years ago

Duration 1:53

A family that came to Ottawa from Syria is thankful they escaped before the crisis worsened.