We’re excited to announce the formation of the Private Refugee Sponsor Network’s first-ever Advisory Council!
This new Council brings together accomplished leaders from across Canada to offer fresh perspectives, informed guidance, and national visibility to support PRSN’s mission. While the Advisory Council is non-decision-making, its role is vital to help us raise awareness, strengthen our work, and build a more sustainable future for private refugee sponsorship.
Our inaugural members include:
- The Honourable John McCallum – Former Minister of Immigration and Ambassador to China, John led Canada’s effort to welcome 40,000 Syrian refugees.
- Kareem El-Assal – Executive Director of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association and respected immigration policy expert.
- Patrick O’Leary – Director at Fragomen (Canada) and former COO at Talent Beyond Boundaries, with a focus on mobility pathways for skilled refugees.
- Bayan Khatib – Impact Director at Northpine Foundation and co-founder of the Syrian Canadian Foundation, with a deep commitment to newcomer support and storytelling.
The Advisory Council will meet a few times each year and provide valuable input as PRSN continues to grow its national reach and impact. We’re grateful to these exceptional individuals for lending their time and expertise to help advance private refugee sponsorship in Canada.
Read the full bios of the Advisory Council and learn more about the PRSN team here.