ISLAMABAD (DNA) -Fulfilling a commitment in the spirit of humanitarian assistance, the Government of Canada has announced that as of the end of February 2016, Canada has welcomed 25,080 Syrian refugees since November 4, 2015.Canada resettles refugees to save lives and to provide stability to those fleeing persecution who have no hope of relief. Canadian society is open to refugees and immigration – a character that was clearly demonstrated by communities across the country in recent weeks. Resettling refugees is a proud and important part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It reflects our commitment to Canadians and demonstrates to the world that we have a shared responsibility to help people who are displaced and persecuted.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau celebrated this achievement on Twitter (@CanadianPM), urging Canadians to take pride in this humanitarian achievement and stating that “In the years to come, Canadians will look back with enormous pride on the contributions made by Syrian refugees.”

By the end of February, Canada through this specific initiative welcomed 14,383 government-assisted refugees, 2,170 blended visa office-referred refugees, and 8,527 privately sponsored refugees. 12,667 of these women, men and children arrived on 52 government-organized flights to Toronto, while another 9,974 arrived on 39 government-organized flights to Montreal. They have since found welcome in communities across Canada.

Canada continues to welcome Syrian refugees: as of the end of February, applications for an additional 4,102 women, men and children have been finalized. The total number of refugees who have either already arrived in Canada or whose application has been finalized but have not yet travelled to Canada amounted to 29,182 individuals.