In a maple-leaf onesie, baby Ahmed is a 'proud Canadian' born to Syrian refugee family

A family of Syrian refugees is welcoming a new Canadian baby into its midst.

Ahmed Ktaish was born, August 25, at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in Prince George.

He is the first member of the family, which includes three brothers and a sister, to be born in Canada.

The Ktaishs arrived in Canada in February as part of the influx of 25,000 refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict.

Speaking through a translator, father Khalid Ktaish said he was very happy with the medical care his wife received while giving birth, and that having a child born in this country makes him feel "more Canadian."

Baby named after volunteer translator

Six-year-old Moa'ath Ktaish chose the name 'Ahmed' for his baby brother.

He was inspired by Ahmed Nasir, a physics student from Egypt who has been volunteering his time as a translator for the family.

"Yeah, I feel happy," Nasir said of the honour.

An extended network of volunteers helped bring the Ktaish's to Prince George.

They are officially sponsored by a Lutheran church, while a local Catholic church has given Khalid a job doing yard work and maintenance.

The other four children will be returning to elementary school next week.

Asked how he feels about all that has happened, Khalid Ktaish repeated one of a handful of English phrases he has learned: "Canada good."

For more stories from northern British Columbia, follow Daybreak North on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.