Syrian refugees are making headlines in Canada before many have even arrived. In the wake of last Friday’s attacks in Paris, some people have been questioning Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s committment to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by January 1st. 2016.
Security concerns are the main reason cited, but beyond the headlines, many Canadians are eager to help welcome and settle the new arrivals, all of whom are undergoing criminal background checks, and health checks, in addition to being screened by Canada’s national security agencies.
In the Altantic province of Nova Scotia, a government help-line was overwhelmed with phone calls on Tuesday following the announcement that people could find out more about how to help by calling the 211 information service.
“We’re just humbled in terms of not only the numbers of people who have called, but the tremendous scope of what they are offering”
“We’re just humbled in terms of not only the numbers of people who have called, but the tremendous scope of what they are offering,” said Mike Myette, executive director of 211.
According to the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia it’s estimated 600 to 700 refugees will be settling there, but the number has not been confirmed by the federal government.
“It’s everything you can imagine, from offers of housing to a myriad of household goods, dishes, duvets, you name it in terms of household goods,” Myette said.
Quebec and Ontario, the two central and largest provinces, will accept about 16,000 refugees; 6,000 in Quebec and 10,000 in Ontario.
Canadians are among the only people in the world who can privately sponsor refugees.
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