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Aislinn Hunter, award-winning B.C. poet, author and creative-writing instructor, has never had to worry that her life or liberty were in jeopardy because of something she wrote.

The freedom she enjoys living in this country is not something she takes for granted, because there are writers and artists all over the world who don’t have the same opportunity to freely express themselves.

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“It’s easy to be smug,” she said. “There’s a lot of freedom in Canada to be who you are.”

Soon, Surrey will be a safe haven for those who are persecuted because of their creative endeavours.

On Monday, it was announced that the city is Canada’s first International City of Refuge, which means that Surrey will offer temporary sanctuary to writers and artists, giving them an escape and a platform to continue their work.

Working with the Norway-based International City of Refuge Network, a candidate will be chosen to settle in Surrey for two years. Funds will be raised to support the writer or artist and their family during that time.