The City of Sault Ste. Marie is pleased to announce that the flag gallery in front of the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre will be expanded to include the Syrian flag. This addition recognizes the resilience and aspirations of the Syrian people and the contributions of the Syrian Canadian community in Sault Ste. Marie.
The flag gallery represents a visible affirmation of the City’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and civic pride. Each flag represents the collective strength of communities from diverse faiths, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds working together for the benefit of all residents.
“In 2022, the Syrian community was invited to raise their national flag; however, the initiative was deferred as the proposed flag did not reflect the aspirations of many Syrians,” said Dania Kuzbari, a Member of the Syrian community. “At that time, the flag was associated with a regime characterized by decades of oppression and did not embody the hopes and values of the Syrian people. On December 8, 2024, Syria was liberated from the Assad regime, ending a 53-year period of authoritarian rule. On April 25, 2025, the flag was raised at the United Nations Headquarters by Syria’s Foreign Minister, signifying international recognition of Syria’s new beginning. This milestone represents a significant moment of renewed freedom, dignity and hope for Syrians worldwide.”
Members of the Syrian Canadian community in Sault Ste. Marie will formally raise the Syrian Independence flag on Friday, November 7, at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre. Over the past decade, the Syrian community has become an integral part of Sault Ste. Marie contributing significantly to the social, cultural and economic life of the City through their work in healthcare, education, public service, business, hospitality and the trades. The public is invited to attend.
For more information regarding the City’s flag gallery, contact Syed Islam, Coordinator of the Local Immigration Partnership at 705-541-8673 or email s.islam@cityssm.on.ca.