Premier Wade MacLauchlan hosts refugee welcome reception

Islanders were invited to attend an official refugee welcome reception hosted by P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan in Charlottetown Saturday.

The reception, held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Murphy's Community Centre, offered people the opportunity to welcome and meet the new families from Syria.

Syrian Sandra Antoun arrived in P.E.I. in February and says the reception helped her connect with some new families from Syria and meet get to know some Islanders as well. 

"I think it's amazing event because all the people together and a lot of nationality, not only Syrian," said newcomer Bassem Alataalah. He said says he feel likes already feels like part of the community. 

"The premier of P.E.I., he welcome us, I saw him, I took a picture with him, too...that's cool, everything was nice, friendly," he said.

People of all ages filled the gymnasium at the centre. The company handling the audio handed out 120 headsets to those wanting the Arabic translation. 

MacLauchlan said the reception was a way for people to come together and confirm what a positive experience it was for everyone involved, including the 199 refugees who came to the Island over a very short time from Syria. 

The reception recognized the groups and volunteers who worked to bring refugees to the Island and helped get them settled.

It was a celebration of an important achievement, the premier said.

"There is a willingness to do more," MacLauchlan said.

The P.E.I. Association for Newcomers to Canada said another 100 Syrian refugees will arrive in the province by the end of 2016.