2026 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors

For 12 long years, Radwan Hubaish’s dream was to come to Canada. When he told his friends in Yemen, they thought he was joking. He studied every aspect of the country he wanted to one day call home.

In Yemen, he was journalist at a local television station. When the war erupted, he could no longer travel to his village. His mother said, “if you love me, you will leave this country.”

His first move was to Algeria, where he was trapped in the airport for a week when officials refused to allow him to leave. They were suspicious of why he travelled there without knowing anyone. His seven years in Algeria were extremely difficult. He couldn’t get a job. They wouldn’t give him refugee status. It was a struggle to survive. But the Canadian dream always remained in the back of his mind. He applied to come as a refugee.

Then he got a job at a local United Nations office. After six months of training, he taught refugees how to start online businesses. Just as he was considering leaving the country illegally by boat, he was told by the UN that his refugee application was approved. Two months later he arrived in Canada in December 2022. Finally! He sent a photo in front of a Canadian flag to his Algerian friends to prove that he was here.

After a short time in Brantford, Ontario, he chose to move to Ottawa. His wife spoke French and he would enrol their three children in a French school.

The first night in Ottawa during a snowstorm and freezing weather, was an experience that made him really understand the meaning of kindness.

The family had never experienced this kind of cold. “I still remember our first night in the city at the end of February,” explains Radwan.  “It was very hard to even reach the door because of the heavy snow.”

Some strangers shovelled the snow from the front of the house so they could enter. “We were very thankful to the couple who stood with us in freezing weather that night,” remembers Radwan.

 A friend who lived in Ottawa had visited the house before they arrived, and later occasionally helped by driving them to buy supplies.

As they huddled in the almost empty house that first night, there is one person that the family will never forget. “Kais Al-Irani knocked on the door with a smile that I still remember today,” remarks Radwan. “He was carrying clothes, blankets and some food. In our Yemeni dialect he said: Welcome to Ottawa. Then he gave me his number and said if you need anything call me.”

“The person we see as a hero is Kais Al-Irani,” remarks Radwan. “Imagine someone you never met before standing at your door on a very cold and stormy night, while you are thinking how your family will sleep on the floor with nothing to cover ourselves.”

Kais, works at the International Development Research Centre. His altruism comes from his background as a leader in community development. In Yemen, he supported women through micro-entrepreneurship programing.

Since coming to Canada more than seven years ago, and experiencing the challenges of settlement, he took it upon himself to support newcomers.

He chairs Friend of Yemen, a non-profit organization based in Ottawa. “I noticed the influx of immigrants from Yemen, so I started the organization along with some friends, to provide support. I feel happy when I help those in need,” he says.

In addition to providing direct guidance, sharing his experience, and answering questions, he connects newcomers with others and refers them to organizations based on their needs. He also organizes events and activities to help newcomers understand more about life in Ottawa and feel home. 

“A social network is essential, but it is also vital for people to immerse themselves in nature,” explains Kais. “So, I organize outdoor events. Nozha, a hiking activity runs throughout the year, no matter the weather.” Every weekend participants from his 300-member WhatsApp group get together to enjoy nature, be active and make friends.

“It is an honour to be acknowledged for helping others,” says Kais. “I would like to share this recognition with everyone who have collaborated with me in helping others in this wonderful city.”

Kais continues to be a close friend to the Hubaish family. “My children really like him,” says Radwan. “They will always remember ice fishing with him, even though it was upsetting for my son Adam to learn that he had to put the fish back in the water!”

He helped them to adjust to a new country. “Through Friends of Yemen and their numerous community activities, many families, including mine have benefitted from his generosity and kindness,” remarks Radwan. “We can never thank him enough for what he has done for us.”

Radwan now works as a floater custodian at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. He has completed a one-year online course to become an immigration case manager. His long-term goal is to work for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. He wants to help others to immigrate to Canada and achieve the dream that came true for him.

Radwan, who had volunteered in Yemen supporting people with thalassemia, a blood disorder, continues to volunteer in his new home. He started by volunteering with the Indo-Canadian community. “I saw how much they support each other and work together, and I learned a lot about volunteering and community work,” remembers Radwan.

 He suggests that other newcomers see the benefit of volunteering, as he now works with Kais helping others. “Make it your first step to find work, build relationships and understand the community,” he says. “Even after you get a job, don’t forget to give some time for volunteering.”

Radwan also hopes to get additional support from parents, the Ottawa community and government organizations for Friends of Yemen. “This project can help families feel connected and supported and it’s very important for children,” he explains.

He will always cherish his friend Kais and how he welcomed him to Canada. Although he misses family back home in Yemen, his has found chosen family here. “My children call him Uncle Kais,” concludes Radwan.