Since his arrival in Toronto on May 31, 2022, and subsequent move to Ottawa the following day, Ejaz Ahmad Malikzada and his family have been navigating the challenges of building a new life in Orléans and Canada.

Facing escalating risks after the fall of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, Ejaz and his family were forced to leave, despite initial reluctance.

“I was very exposed with the work I did with the previous government,” explains Ejaz. “I also had a lot of engagement with NATO. I was conducting anti-corruption investigations on high-profile cases as the Director of Anti-Corruption.”

Alarming calls from colleagues revealed the imminent danger he faced. With the assistance of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the Yalda Hakim Foundation (YHF), the family left for Pakistan in October and later found refuge in Albania before eventually resettling in Orléans.

While in Albania, Ejaz and his family were referred to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by the US Department of State. Canada processed their application, and they were accepted as government-assisted refugees, obtaining permanent resident status within two months of their arrival.

Ejaz graduated with a degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the American University of Afghanistan. His family includes his wife, who is currently studying English, his parents, an accomplished writer and editor sister, a younger sister enrolled at Gloucester High School, and a younger brother engaged in supporting newcomers through the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO).

While the family adjusts to their new surroundings, they also grapple with the longing for loved ones left behind: a brother in Pakistan and a sister in Afghanistan, both with families. Ejaz has applied for their reunification in Canada under the One Year Window (OYW) opportunity. He adds, “We’re not whole here”.

Ejaz’s network and determination led him to secure a position as a Service Coordinator at Minto just five months after arriving in Canada, where he continues to make valuable contributions to his new community.

When asked why the family chose to come to Canada, Ajaz explains, “Canada was a better option. It’s more open, diverse and welcoming. Canada has a big heart. We embrace Canada as our new home. I wake up now and feel at home. The people I work with, my neighbours and friends in Canada make me feel like I belong. I don’t sit here and feel like a stranger.”

Ejaz shared the family’s positive experiences and remarkable adjustment to the community of Orléans. According to him, they engage in friendly chats with their neighbours, share coffee and often visit each other in their homes. Ejaz’s mother even baked and brought pastries to a neighbour who had recently welcomed a new baby.

This family’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to their remarkable ability to adapt and contribute to their new country, as well as to the welcoming spirit of the people of Orléans. By embracing their neighbours and forming deep connections, they have not only integrated seamlessly into the community but have also enriched it with their cultural heritage and values.

Their open-mindedness, generosity and willingness to forge strong bonds have fostered a sense of unity and inclusiveness in Orléans. Their story stands as a shining example of the positive impact that individuals and families can have when given the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their adopted homeland.

(Norma Pike is a member of University Women Helping Afghan Women – Canadian Federation of University Women – and is one of a number of team members who is meeting Afghan newcomers throughout Ottawa to tell their stories.)