Premier Wade MacLauchlan hosts refugee welcome reception

Islanders wereinvited to attend an official refugee welcome reception hosted byP.E.I. Premier WadeMacLauchlanin Charlottetown Saturday.

The reception, held from2 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 Antounarrived in P.E.I. in February and says the reception helped her connect with some new families from Syria and meetget 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 saidsays 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 forpeople to come together and confirm what a positive experience it was for everyone involved, including the199 refugees who cameto 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," MacLauchlansaid.

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