Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reassured those fleeing war and persecution that Canada’s doors will remain open, as United States President Donald Trump banned refugees from seven war-torn countries from entering the US.

“To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength” Trudeau tweeted today, a day after Trump signed an executive order indefinitely suspending admissions for Syrian refugees and barring nationals from six other Muslim-majority countries for 90 days.

To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) 28 January 2017

The reaction by Canadians to the Liberal leader’s message today was overwhelmingly mostly positive.

“Thanks for reminding everyone how awesome Canada is Justin Trudeau,” Penny Harper responded to Trudeau’s message which was also posted on the Prime Minister’s official Facebook page. “This message is perfect timing when we see how the opposite of this is playing out.”

“So proud to be Canadian ! Love begets Love, Hate begets Hate,” Monette Bouvier wrote. “Sure we have a few rude/racist Canadians, but for the most part Canadians get that most of us are immigrants on our family tree. Canadians are generous humanitarians ready to help and support those in need.”

Even those south of the border offered their support to Trudeau.

“PM Justin Trudeau, I can’t speak for all Americans, but thank you from this American for having the compassion, dignity, and heart that all people expect from a leader.” Andrew Adams responded. “While I don’t think that any actions by Canada will change my government’s mind, it’s good to know that there is still countries and governments that truly understand the gravity of the situation that these refugees are experiencing.”

“I am an American citizen who feels sick to my stomach about the current executive orders on refugees by our president,” Anna Marshall wrote. “Thank you for opening your doors! Know that many Americans stand behind you!”
A few dissenting voices were heard amid thousands of messages showing solidarity with Trudeau.

“Millions of our own people in Canada are starving, with out work and going homeless,” Ebon Smylie replied. “But yup let’s keep helping everyone else around the world. Can’t wait to get you voted out.”

Trump is seen as aiming to fulfill a key election pledge to ban Muslims all entering the US by signing executive order titled “Protection Of The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States.”

“I am establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America,” Trump said. “We don’t want them here.”

In stark contrast, Trudeau came to power in November 2015 promising to resettle 25,000 refugees that year – a promise he made good, albeit with a two month delay.