Request number one is that one of the main problems we are facing, as Syrian refugees in Vancouver, is learning ESL, or English as a second language. We have been here, as a family, for almost a year, but up to now, none of us has attended English class. Every time I go, they say there is no chance and to come back in two to three months. If I go after that, they still tell us the same thing.
Request number two is that I ask the Canadian government if they can waive or exempt us from the transportation costs, which, for us as a family, are $7,040. Most of the Syrian refugees coming as a family have these transportation costs, which are between $6,000 and $7,000, or even more, because of the size of the family.
The third request is that, if possible, we ask the government to help us with housing. We are a family of seven—five kids and the two of us, husband and wife—but we live in a two-bedroom apartment. I am asking, if possible, that we be able to access or have a chance to get subsidized housing, because this private market is very expensive. Apart from that, these smaller two-bedroom units are also unsafe. They are infested. There are bugs. From time to time we have to use bug spray, but it doesn't work.
Another point I would like to enlighten the government about is that sometimes we sense there are issues if you have to apply for subsidized housing. It is not very easy for you to get it, because there is a kind of intermediary or broker. You need to know someone who can act on your behalf to access that subsidized housing.
Thank you so much. This is all I can say or ask for.