Rally in Saskatoon demands Canada let in 10k refugees immediately

A rally held in Saskatoon on Sunday is calling for thegovernment to bring in tenthousand Syrian refugees immediately to Canada.

Mahli Brindamour, one of the organizers, said the government could do more.

"The response we have seen so far is so much slower and lower than how we have responded to other refugee crises in the past," Brindamour said, referring to the massive refugee crises in Uganda and Vietnam in previous decades.

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Brindamour, a pediatrician in the city, saidshe sees many refugeesin herpractice.

"[Refugees] have hadincredible journeys in their home countriesand while coming here they face terrible violence and persecution and we need tohelp them once they are here."

Similar rallies were held across Canada.The one in Saskatoon drew approximately 250 people, includingAbdul Salam Dakouri. Originally from Syria, he is trying to bring over other family members.

"If the Canadian government doesn't help the refugees, they will die one after another."

Hecklers shout at demonstrators

On at least two occasions during the rally, the demonstrators were heckled by individuals. One man shouted at the crowd asking, "What about Canadians right to peace?"

Another group of people shouted, "go back to your country."

Sylvia McAdam, one of the founders of the Idle No More movement and a participant in the rally, witnessed one of the confrontations.She said the group of people shouted racial slurs at some of the demonstrators.

"I'm feeling upset, witnessing that," McAdam said.

When asked why she took part in the rally, she said,"I am here to let all people know that they are welcome here, and my people will welcome them. They will have peace here and safety."