Canada’s Governor General convened a forum to call on all sectors of Canadian society to welcome Syrian refugees and to help them integrate. At the same time, refugee aid groups in Montreal are overwhelmed with the response from ordinary people who want to donate goods and services to help out. There is a waiting list of people who have volunteered.
Gov. Gen. David Johnston is meeting with 160 government officials, community groups and members of the private sector so they may share ideas on how best to help the 25, 000 Syrian refugees Canada has committed to welcoming in the next few months. Johnston calls the impending arrival “a defining moment” for Canada.
Seeking help with work and settling in
Johnston says governments at all levels have a responsibility to support refugees, but the private sector can help them find jobs and individual Canadians can help them settle in.
The Governor General of Canada is the queen’s representative. While his or her duties and roles are largely ceremonial, governors general sometimes champion ideas they feel are important to the country. For example, former governor general Adrienne Clarkson worked to create stronger ties between Canada and aboriginal people in northern Canada.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.