TS2023 Group Welcomes Özlem in Ottawa After 500 KM Walk: Call for Status Extensions Grows
After a 28-day, 500 km walk from Toronto, Özlem arrived in Ottawa where she was warmly welcomed by the TS2023 group. Together at Parliament Hill, they urged the Canadian government to extend temporary statuses for earthquake survivors.
A Hero’s Journey: 500 Kilometres on Foot for Family and Future
When public appeals and emails went unanswered, Özlem decided to take action with her own two feet. Walking 500 kilometres across Ontario over 28 grueling days, her journey symbolised the grit, resilience, and hope of thousands of families who found refuge in Canada following the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
Warm Reception by the TS2023 Community in Ottawa
As Özlem entered the capital, she was not alone. The TS2023 group—a community of earthquake-affected families residing in Canada—gathered in Ottawa to welcome her with open arms, banners, and solidarity.
The route carried Özlem and her supporters through key landmarks:
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Ottawa Embassy Hotel: Warm welcome and opening remarks.
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ByWard Market & City Hall: Community gathering, public engagement, and media coverage.
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National War Memorial: A quiet moment of tribute and reflection.
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Parliament Hill: A grand arrival featuring a peaceful sit-in on the lawn and media interviews with Canadian outlets.
What the TS2023 Group Is Asking For
Under the original emergency measures, temporary work and study permits were granted to affected individuals, but these statuses are approaching their expiry.
The primary goal of the walk and Parliament Hill rally is simple: a request for status extensions.
"We are not asking for special treatment; it is simply part of this nation to ask for a safe and stable future for our families," participants emphasized. "We are asking the government to give us extra time on our temporary status to finish what we started."
The event concluded with strong statements of community backing from Canadian-Turkish leaders and personal stories shared by TS2023 families, demonstrating how deeply integrated these newcomers have become in their local Canadian communities.
FAQ
Why did Özlem walk from Toronto to Ottawa?
Özlem walked 500 kilometres over 28 days to bring media and government attention to the plight of TS2023 temporary status holders in Canada.
What is the TS2023 group requesting from the Canadian government?
The group is asking Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to grant an extension on their temporary work and study permits so families can complete their settlement journey safely.
Did the TS2023 group walk the full distance?
No, Özlem undertook the 500 km walk from Toronto to Ottawa. The TS2023 group organized her grand reception in Ottawa and joined her for the final march to Parliament Hill.
