For the many Afghan refugees now calling this province home, living in Canada is a chance at living in peace.

But for many, their hearts are with loved ones still living in their war-torn homeland.

On Tuesday, Premier Andrew Furey and Immigration Minister Gerry Byrne met with and officially welcomed a group of Afghan refugees to the province, during an event at the Association for New Canadians.

Following the formal portion of the event, a man referred to as Mohammad asked the translator in attendance to facilitate a conversation between him and Minister Byrne.

During that exchange, Mohammad stated that while he is grateful to be in a safe and welcoming place, he is worried about his family back in Afghanistan.

He calls the Taliban “extremely violent” and “worse than animals”, who will kill people.

Mohammad made a plea to the provincial government.

He is requesting that the government help bring their families to Canada so they too can be safe.

In response, Minister Byrne says Canada has committed to repatriating more Afghans who are still in the country, and family reunification will be a big part of that.