PM looking at reuniting fire victims, relatives

HALIFAX• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday his government is responding to a desperate plea from the grieving mother who lost all seven of her children in a recent house fire, saying he wants to “give this family a little solace in a time of unbelievable tragedy.”

Kawthar Barho, whose husband Ebraheim is in a medically induced coma to recover from extensive burns, has told local politicians and religious leaders in Halifax that she wants to be reunited with family members living overseas because she has no other relatives in Canada.

The prime minister, in Halifax for a funding an- nouncement, said Halifax MP Andy Fillmore had already contacted Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen about expediting the immigration process for some family members.

“I can’ t comment on specific cases, but in heartbreaking cases like this we’re certainly looking at doing what we can to bring this family that has suffered such a devastating loss together,” said Trudeau, who attended a vigil in Halifax’s main square Wednesday night in support of the Barhos.

The Barhos arrived in Nova Scotia with their children as privately sponsored refugees in September 2017.

Early Tuesday, a fast-moving fire killed all of their children: Ahmad, 14; Rola, 12; Mohamad, 9; Ola, 8; Hala, 3; Rana, 2 and Abdullah, who was born in Canada Nov. 9.

Natalie Horne, vice-president of the community group that sponsored the Barhos’ refugee claim, said some family members from Syria have already registered with the UN refugee agency, which should help speed up the process.

Typical refugee claims can take several years to complete.

“Once (the Barhos’ story) leaves the headlines and people go back to their lives, there’s still going to be a wake of tragedy for Kawthar and for Ebraheim,” said Horne, vice-president of the Hants East Assisting Refugees Team.

“It will be a long road to recovery.

“It’s really important for us to get family here who can support them on that journey.”

Horne said Kawthar Barho told her the fire was caused by an electric baseboard heater that ignited a couch.

However, deputy fire Chief David Meldrum said residents should be wary of reading too much into that kind of speculation as an investigation is ongoing.

“We’re aware of the reports that are in the media, as well as other information on social media,” Meldrum said.

“I want to remind everyone this information is not coming from official sources. Our investigation is ongoing.”

Ehab Zalok, an expert in fire safety engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa, said the fact neighbours heard a bang before flames spread rapidly through the house suggests something non-solid, like a gas, may have caused the fire to spread rapidly.