Health Minister commits to restoring supplemental health care for all refugees

It was the end of a long voyage for the 163 Syrians who arrived in Toronto on Thursday night in the first government aircraft carrying refugees. 

To see the first families ... they were so delightful, so grateful. It was a very special moment.- Health Minister Jane Philpott on greeting Syrian refugees at the Toronto airport

And the beginning of a new journey too -- for their lives in Canada, and for the country.

Trudeau, Wynne greet refugees

9 years ago

Duration 1:07

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne greet Syrian refugees in Toronto

Since that family's arrival at Pearson airport, complete with the special welcoming party of the prime minister and other dignitaries ... 161 more Syrian refugees have been flown to Canada. They landed Saturday in Montreal. 

And there are many more on the way. Ottawa has pledged to bring in 25,000 refugees by the end of February.

Syrian refugees talk about how it feels to be in Canada

9 years ago

Duration 0:42

Syrian refugees who arrived in Toronto Thursday night talk about how it feels to be in Canada outside of their hotel Friday morning.

Of course, getting them here has taken a great deal of work. But now, it might be said, the real job begins. It's something we're exploring throughout today's show... and we're starting with the minister responsible for delivering on the government's ambitious refugee resettlement plans.

Jane Philpott is the Minister of Health. She chairs the ad hoc cabinet committee on refugees and joined Anna Maria in our Toronto studio.
 

This segment was produced by The Current's Sujata Berry.