Here’s to 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 Program (PSR) 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 began, participants in the PSR program have continued to demonstrate the generosity of spirit that helps to define Canada to the world. Private sponsors have shared their time and resources, and have opened their communities to helping refugees make a home and a life in Canada. Private sponsors have provided a future to those in need of protection.

Give thanks in your community!

We want to thank you and your community for the 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

• Over 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
• 2 million Canadians have been personally involved in helping Syrian refugees come to and settle in Canada
• Canada is #1 among resettlement countries worldwide
• 59,000 privately sponsored refugees will be welcomed to Canada between 2019 and 2021.

Sponsoring Ethiopian Refugees in Winnipeg

“As Canadians, we are privileged to live here, and I believe that with that privilege comes a responsibility to help others.”

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

Read more about their stories.

Chai’s journey to Canada

“We are living in the best place in the world. I want to say thank you to Canada for giving us the freedom to live and an amazing place to call home.”

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

Read more about Chai’s journey to Canada.

Sponsors impact on newcomers

Private sponsors play a significant role in thousands of new Canadian success stories. Sponsors help newcomer individuals and families who impact our communities in many positive ways.

View our videos on the PSR program to learn about 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 the Canadians who have welcomed Syrian refugees with compassion and support.

How you can help

The Private Sponsorship for Refugees program encourages ordinary Canadians to do something extraordinary. Are you interested in sponsoring refugees?

Learn how you and your community can get involved.