Mergim & Leutrim Veliu’s Dreams Fly High
Mergim and Leutrim Veliu were seven and five years-old when their family immigrated to Canada as refugees in 1999 during Canada’s response to UNHCR’s call to help with the refugee crisis overflowing Macedonia and Albania.
When Mergim, the eldest, stepped foot into the Royal Airforce plane, he was fascinated by it, he had no idea that one day he would be on the commercial plane’s pilot seat.
Both brothers stayed at the Halifax military base during the first few months in Canada until they got settled in what became nicknamed as ‘Little Kosovo’ a part of Clayton Park’s community in Halifax where a large number of Kosovo refugees settled. The Veliu brothers attended school and grew up in the area. During their childhood, they cherished the privilege of living in Canada and consistently made plans and set goals to give back to the country that embraced them. They remember and also value their humble beginnings, only a few years after settling into a new life, a new routine in Canada, they would tragically lose their father. The Veliu brothers would later become translators for their single refugee mother and quickly earn their independence.
Mergim's journey from refugee to First Officer for a major Canadian airline embodies unwavering determination. His dream took flight during his journey to Canada, where he discovered the joy of aviation. Since that westbound flight, he has always associated flying with a sense of freedom and boundless happiness. Prior to joining the airline, Mergim served as a Flight Instructor, then rose to the role of Chief Flight Instructor at a flight school in Nova Scotia. Later, he conducted surveillance missions for a Halifax-based company, specializing in maritime surveillance for the Canadian Government. After accumulating invaluable experience, he transitioned to airline operations, initially as a First Officer and eventually as a Captain on an Embraer 175. Today, Mergim takes immense pride in flying the Canadian flag.
His brother, Leutrim graduated from College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 2017 with a focus on Law Enforcement. In 2018, he became a Correctional Officer with Correctional Services Canada, driven by a strong desire to give back to Canada. Leutrim's commitment reflects his dedication to upholding peace and fostering positive change within his community and Canada. Both brothers feel fortunate to be in Canada because of its reputation for providing safety, stability, and countless opportunities for their family. We are proud to be Canadian while also maintaining our Albanian heritage and are a prime example of resilience, hard work and opportunity.