Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed refugees fleeing war, terror and persecution on Saturday even as Canadian airlines said they would turn back US-bound passengers to comply with an immigration ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries.
In pointed tweets a day after US President Donald Trump put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into the United States and temporarily barred all travellers from the seven countries, Trudeau said refugees were welcome in Canada.
Confusion abounded at airports around the world on Saturday as officials tried to interpret the new US rules.
Trudeau's office said US authorities had confirmed Canadian passport holders, including dual citizens from the seven countries, would not be affected.
Trudeau has walked a fine line with the Trump administration, avoiding direct criticism while promoting the progressive policies of his one-year-old Liberal government.
The Prime Minister would discuss Canada's immigration and refugee policies with Trump, Trudeau's press secretary Cameron Ahmad said.
WestJet Airlines said it turned back a passenger bound for the United States on Saturday to comply with Trump's executive order but did not say which country the passenger had come from. Spokeswoman Lauren Stewart said the airline would give full refunds to anyone affected.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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