Syrian Refugees connect with Family in Canada for first time ahead of Christmas

For many Canadians who waited eagerly for the arrival of Syrian refugees Saturday, the experience was like receiving a precious gift.

"It's a Christmas present that Canada is giving us," Nicolas Altawil, who was waiting to welcome his brother-in-law, told CBC.

161 Syrian refugees arrived in Montreal, many of them were meeting relatives for the first time.

The group is among the first wave of refugees who arrived in Canada. They are privately sponsored, meaning there are people, relatives mostly, taking them into their care.

Syrian refugee Laila Saeed was picked up by her grandson Anas Fransis, who kissed her hand in greeting. She arrived in Montreal together with Laila Beylouneh, Fransis' niece. Their family was from Aleppo, and this is the first time in eight years that they have been reunited.

The refugees were given winter coats upon arrival. Teddy bears were made ready for the 40 children who were expected to be part of the group.

On Thursday, the first batch of refugees totaling 163 arrived in Canada. They were welcomed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and cabinet members.

More of them are expected to fly in before the year ends. The next group of Syrian refugees, numbering 214 in all, are set to arrive in Toronto today.

"In the coming days, there will be many, many more flights," Immigration Minister John McCallum told CBC in another report.

The federal government's target is to take in a total of 25,000 Syrian refugees by working together with NGOs, private sponsors and local governments to help the refugees resettle in their new homeland.

In Quebec, 3,650 refugees are expected to arrive before the end of December, and 7,300 more will enter the country next year. Most of these will be housed in Montreal.

At present, there are already 882 Syrian refugees who have arrived in the country.