Syrian refugees see Canada, family for first time in Montreal

As a planeload of Syrian refugees stepped onto Canadian soil for the first time last night in Montreal, many of them were greeted by family they had never met.

Michel Kanouwaited patiently Saturday night to see his cousin for the first time.

• Syrian refugees feel excitement, nerves as they head to Canada

"I am excited to see him and take him in my arms," saidKanou.

Nicolas Altawil, who is taking in his brother-in-law, compared the arrivalto Christmas.

"It's aChristmas present that Canada is giving us," he said.

Warm welcome

These privately sponsored refugeeswere greeted by volunteers and byfederal and provincial leaders.

Quebec PremierPhilippe Couillard,Montreal MayorDenis Coderre, Heritage MinisterMlanie Jolyand Immigration MinisterJohn McCallum were on hand.

Newcomers were provided with winter coats and teddy bears for the 40 children arriving. There was also additional aid set up for refugees who may have felt overwhelmed or anxious.

More refugees on the way

Thisis one of many groups of refugees who will land in the cityas part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's plan to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees to the country by the end of February.

The province is set towelcome 3,650 refugees by Dec. 31, and a total of7,300 by the end of 2016. Montreal will house the vast majority of those newcomers.

Quebec Immigration Minister KathleenWeil told CBC News she doesn't expect another planeload of refugees inthe next few days, but the province is prepared to accept more.

"It really relies on the federal government," said Weil.