That’s 40 years of hard work! On behalf of the Government of Canada — and especially on behalf of more than 327,000 refugees — thank you!

Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (RPP) Program has become a model for other countries around the world. Its success is due to the immense contributions and dedication of Canadians. In the 40 years since the program’s launch, RPS participants have continued to demonstrate the generosity of spirit that helps define Canada to the world. Private sponsors shared their time and resources and opened their communities to help refugees settle and live in Canada. Private sponsors ensured a future for those who needed protection.

Give thanks in your community!

We would like to thank you and your community for your contributions to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Download and print the Certificate of Appreciation (PDF, 1.4 MB) to give to community members who have helped resettle refugees over the years, welcoming them into the Canadian family.

Privately sponsored refugees from coast to coast

• More than 327,000 privately sponsored refugees from more than 175 countries have settled in 160 Canadian cities, including: Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Charlottetown, Halifax, Edmonton and Whitehorse.
• Two million Canadians were personally involved in helping Syrian refugees settle in Canada.
• Canada is the leading resettlement country in the world
• 59,000 privately sponsored refugees will be welcomed to Canada between 2019 and 2021.

Sponsoring Ethiopian refugees in Winnipeg

“As Canadians, we have the privilege of living here, and I believe that with that privilege comes the responsibility to help others.”

Bill Temple tells us about the rewarding experience of sponsoring a family of 6 into the Presbyterian Church community.

Learn more about their stories.

Chai’s trip to Canada

“We live in the best place in the world. I want to thank Canada for giving us the freedom to live and an incredible place to live.

Chai Bouphaphanh and his family were privately sponsored by the Mennonite Church in Drake, Saskatchewan.

Learn more about Chai’s trip to Canada.

Impact of the sponsor on newcomers

Private sponsors play an important role in thousands of new Canadian success stories. Sponsors help newcomers and families who have a positive impact on our communities.

Check out our videos about the PSR program to learn how communities near you came together to welcome refugees to Canada.

From far and wide

From far and wide is a series of stories profiling Canadians who welcomed Syrian refugees with compassion and support.