I finally arrived in Canada. Then the pandemic hit

Yazan Souliman fled Syria because of the civil war, finding workas a news editor in the United Arab Emirates, where his wifeMaysm Mohamed was a university researcher.

In search of a more stable and peaceful life, they applied through Canada's express entry program and were accepted here more than a year later.

They arrived in Ottawa on Feb. 12, 2020 just as Canada's first COVID-19 cases were being detected.

CBC Ottawa recently spoke with Souliman about what it's like trying to make a new start in the middle of a pandemic. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

First impression is that it's a very safe country. The nature is fabulous and the people are so, so friendly.

Of course, I haven't met anyone because of the lockdown. But when I see them at the grocery store or on the streets while we are doing our walks, they are so friendly I think they understand what it is like to be new. I can see it in their eyes. Or maybe it's a feeling.

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We are living with my wife'sparents, who came to this country as refugees three years ago. They welcomed us into their home, and I was so excited to get to know Ottawa.

I knew it wasn't going to be easy to start from zero, but I thought I might find work soon after arriving.

What its like to be new to Canada during the pandemic

4 years ago

Duration 0:56

Yazan Souliman arrived in Canada with his wife in mid-February looking forward to meeting new people and finding work. Then the pandemic hit.

But then the pandemic happened, and everything is closed. It was a huge disappointment, actually. Because we've been been waiting for two years to come here.

You arrive carrying your big dreams, then you get disappointment. I understand it's not only you it's happening to, or just my family. It'shappening to everyone in this country, and around the globe.

But psychologically, it's not easy, because I have few people here no real friends or community. I only know how to go to Costco and Walmart.

Right away when I arrived, I started applying for jobs. I had interviews lined up for good positions. I was so happy, my qualifications were matching up.

Then they cancelled the interviews. They were apologetic, but everything is closed from the lockdown.

We are living in a beautiful area in Barrhaven. My wife's parents are older so we are trying to serve them because right now they cannot go into stores. I go out for groceries, to get their medicines and go back home, and they're happy we can help.

Otherwise, I spend my time learning online.I cook.I go for runs in the forest near my house. I read the Canadian news every day. I started volunteering to help a refugee group in this city.I'm trying to keep myself busy.

You arrive carrying your big dreams then you get disappointment.- Yazan Souliman

We had to prove that we are financially able to support ourselves for the first six months to come here, so we have money for now. It's good, because we don't qualify for the government's pandemic help.

There are people who are having trouble knowing how to survive, so I prefer they get the benefits over me. I am OK.

Despite all that's happened, all these events I am still so happy. I miss my mom and dad, and my brothers, but that's it.

I chose Canada because it is built on immigrants and by immigrants, and it supportsnew people here. This is the best choice I'vemade in my life.

I came from a hot country, where I've been living the last eightyears. It can go up to 50 C in UAE.On the day of our flight, it was plus 25 C when we left and 25 C when we arrived. This was a shock!

But I feel I'm home. I know this situation is not going to last forever. I know my time will come to prove myself here and make something good here.

I believe if you think positive, positive stuff will happen to you. Every day,I wake up and I think: this thing will end soon.