Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hasn’t backed down from a pledge to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by December 31 despite some pushback following the deadly attacks in Paris.
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After much speculation and anticipation, the federal Liberal government detailed today its plan to resettle 25,000 refugees from Syria.
Canadian immigration and military officials will conduct further medical and security screening overseas before the refugees’ arrival in Canada.
“I have heard Canadians across this country say yes you have to do it right, and if it takes a little bit longer to do it right, then take the extra time.”
“We just looked at the logistics, we looked at what it would take to bring them in by January 1, and we had options around that”, Trudeau told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
For the component to be brought in by government, Canadian officials are working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to select people from Jordan and Lebanon. Larry is our main news editor.
Trudeau also responded to a CBC story this week that said the government’s plan will give priority to families with children.
Officials said only whole families, women in vulnerable position, or single men who are gay – therefore deemed at risk of persecution – or accompanied by parents as part of a family will be accepted.
Health and security screening will take place overseas, rather than once the newcomers arrive in Canada.
But he says they’re holding the Liberals accountable to meet their original promise.
The federal government cost for the program is an estimated $678 million over the next six years but doesn’t include additional funding that could be necessary for provinces and territories.
Government-assisted refugees are provided at least 12 months of financial living support in addition to ancillary supports such as health, education, language training and more.
But national leaders – including U.S. President Barack Obama -attending the G20 and APEC summits last week insisted that what happened in Paris should not be linked to assisting refugees. Of the 25,000 refugees to be selected 10,000 will be privately sponsored and 15,000 will be government-sponsored. The group deals primarily with government-sponsored refugees but does provided English lessons and other services to privately funded people.
– Canada closes its embassy in Damascus, a move that would come to have major repercussions for refugee resettlement out of the Middle East as that visa post was handling the majority of the files for refugees from other countries who had sought temporary safety in Syria.
Refugees will go to 36 “destination” cities, 12 in Quebec and in the rest of Canada.
“It would allow Canadians to be more reassured”.
“As a matter of prudent planning, the Canadian Armed Forces are now reviewing accommodations available at bases and wings should the CAF be called upon to provide assistance in that regard”, she said.
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It sends the strong message that Canada will continue to welcome refugees, that they are important to building a stronger and better Canada, and that their successful resettlement and integration has been a key part of our country’s history.
