Some Syrian newcomers hopeful about job prospects on P.E.I.

Dan Doran has met many of the Syrian refugees on P.E.I. who have been able to adapt and find a job in their new home. 

But for those who haven't been as fortunate, the lack of English language skills and not having professional credentials recognized in Canada have been major roadblocks to finding a job, said Doran, refugee sponsorship co-ordinator with the Catholic Diocese of Prince Edward Island.

Start life all over again

"So, they really have to start life all over again, just like any young person — going to school for the first time and starting a new career," Doran said Monday on CBC News: Compass. 

Feeyah Abdulhey agrees that improving his English speaking skills will help him find a job. In Syria, Abdulhey worked as a painter, but he hasn't been able to find employment on P.E.I. 

Abdulhey arrived on the Island with his wife and nine children four months ago. After fleeing Syria, the family spent time in a refugee camp in Turkey.

Abdulhey hopes his children continue with their school studies, eventually go to university and "have a future."

Doran noted that learning English is more difficult for adults compared to children.

"The younger the better. The kids in kindergarten really grasp [English] right away," he said.

'Always the hope is they will find a job'

One group of Syrian newcomers who have had an easier time adapting is entrepreneurs, said Doran. He explained that business people have been able to find some unique business opportunities on P.E.I. In some cases, those newcomers that have started a business have been able to help out and hire other newcomers. 

But as the end of the first year of their arrival, Syrian newcomers still looking for a job could face another challenge as the federal government's commitment to provide social assistance ends.

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Even so, Doran said that Syrian newcomers on P.E.I. can access provincial programs as any Islander. 

"Always the hope is they will find a job and not resort to that. But, at the end of the day, that is an option that is open to them," Doran said.

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