We want to invite you to join our efforts to promote Peace for Syria. We are the StFX for SAFE Society based out of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. In November 2015, we decided to fundraise for SAFE, Syria Antigonish Families Embrace, one of the local groups that sponsors and settles Syrian refugees. As a student group, we continue to raise funds for SAFE, but we realize that we can help far more Syrians if we promote Peace for Syria. This petition is designed to urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to inspire world leaders to work to achieve a peaceful solution to the civil war in Syria.

The concern for the health and safety of Syrian civilians is foremost in our hearts and minds. The five year long war has created a devastating humanitarian crisis. The death toll is around 500,000, and 11 million Syrians are living fragile lives in Syria and nations surrounding Syria. The Canadian government has been providing emergency help, and is working with international partners to meet the basic needs of those living in asylum countries like Lebanon and Jordan. We are so proud of what our country has done to help. So many Canadians have shown their willingness to provide above and beyond the basic needs to those displaced, offering hope to the many families and individuals who want to come to Canada. However, there is more work to be done! We believe that together we can help to compel our government to put their best efforts into working for long-term peace for Syria.  

As a student group and as Canadians, our hope is for world leaders to create a constant dialogue about restoring peace in Syria. The United Nations has failed to achieve substantial cease-fires and agreements, and this is not helping to solve the problem at its source. We ask Canadian citizens to work with us to urge our government leaders to relentlessly advocate for a peaceful solution so that significant humanitarian aid and rebuilding of a nation can take place. 

Please join us in reaching out to our government to support their efforts for a peaceful solution to the conflict that is continuing in Syria. Together as Canadians, we can help to put an end to this civil war and begin to work for a positive future for our friends in Syria.

For more information on the situation in Syria, Canada’s efforts, and how they have had an impact on Syrian refugees you can visit the following:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26116868​

http://www.international.gc.ca/development-developpement/humanitarian_response-situations_crises/syria-syrie.aspx?lang=eng​

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/three-years-after-leaving-syria-family-grateful-for-freedom-in-canada/article32312834/

Thank you so much for your support,

The StFX for SAFE Society