Walking for Our Future: TS2023 Families Stand United as Awareness Walk Heading to Ottawa!

Walking for Our Future: TS2023 Families Launch 450-KM Awareness Walk to Ottawa for Permit Extensions

TORONTO — The TS2023 Civil Initiative has officially announced a 450-kilometer awareness walk from Toronto to Ottawa to draw attention to the looming uncertainty faced by thousands of Turkish and Syrian temporary residents in Canada. The walk, led by Sefika Ozlem Yaman Sahin, aims to open a peaceful dialogue with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and decision-makers to secure a fair, humane solution for families whose work permits are nearing expiration.

The Background of TS2023

The TS2023 program was launched as a humanitarian response by the Canadian government following the devastating February 6, 2023 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria. The initiative provided a safe haven and legal temporary status for individuals who could not return to their heavily impacted home regions.

Over the past years, TS2023 permit holders—including engineers, healthcare workers, teachers, and small business owners—have deeply integrated into Canadian society, contributing to the economy, paying taxes, and building homes. However, with the expiration dates of these special work permits rapidly approaching, thousands of families and school-aged children are now facing an precarious future.

A Mother’s Steps for Thousands of Families

The upcoming 450-kilometer demonstration is being led by Sefika Ozlem Yaman Sahin, a mother taking to the road to secure the future of her 12-year-old son. Her personal journey has quickly become a broader symbol of solidarity for the entire TS2023 community. Sahin will walk on behalf of every permit holder facing displacement, turning a mother's resolve into a peaceful call for policy revision.

The awareness walk is designed to build momentum toward a major demonstration in the nation's capital. The initiative will culminate in a Grand Rally held directly in front of the Parliament in Ottawa, amplifying the community's collective voice to the federal government and the Prime Minister.

GoFundMe Campaign Launched for Lologistical Support

Undertaking a 450-kilometer trek requires extensive coordination, safety measures, and resources. Because the organizers are already grappling with the financial strain of an uncertain legal status, the TS2023 Civil Initiative has launched an official GoFundMe campaign to cover the critical costs of the demonstration.

According to the initiative, all raised funds will be allocated directly toward:

• Securing safe accommodation along the walking route between Toronto and Ottawa,

• Meeting the essential safety, medical, and emergency needs of the participants,

• Organizing and executing the logistics for the Grand Rally at Parliament Hill,

• Producing campaign materials and supporting ongoing advocacy efforts with government institutions.

The TS2023 Civil Initiative is calling on the public, community members, and allies to support the cause, noting that both financial contributions and widespread sharing of the campaign are vital to carrying their message directly to Ottawa's decision-makers.

👉 To view the official campaign and make a contribution, visit: GoFundMe - Support TS2023 Families