Canada delays Syrian refugee influx to February
Notes the officials provided as their briefing drew to a close indicated the cost estimate covers only the 25,000 refugees coming to Canada under the Liberal plan. Here are the important details as now understood.
Refugees will be interviewed and their identities against Canada and USA databases will be checked, as reported by CBC News.
The US plans to take 10,000 over the next year.
That was on top of the ongoing resettlement of Syrian refugees that began in 2013. Government officials say that those who arrived prior to November 4, 2015 will not be counted as being among the 25,000.
Brad Wall, the Conservative premier of Saskatchewan province, had said he had concerns about the original deadline of taking in 25,000 refugees by December 31 but that he believed Canada should welcome the refugees. For privately-sponsored refugees, the latter supports are largely provided by their Canadian sponsors. Ottawa is planning to keep its promise of selecting 15,000 additional government sponsored refugees after February 2016 and through the rest of 2016, it appears.
Locally, 8 Wing CFB Trenton is expected to welcome 1,000 refugees.
“Our newcomer friends will find jobs and they will make a big contribution to our country”, Canadian Minister of Immigration and Refugees John McCallum said.
How will refugees be selected? “This is about welcoming people who are fleeing terrorism, not bringing terrorism with them”.
Canada will be working closely with the United Nations Refugee Agency which will be contacting some refugees by text message to ask if they want to come to Canada.
The government will prioritize complete families, women at risk, and members of the LGBT community. Private groups will be allowed to sponsor any single adult man regardless of his sexual orientation.
How will refugees be screened?
The government will work with the governments of Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, along with worldwide and Canadian partners.
Canada has an enviable record for settling refugees within its borders. The emergence of any reason for doubt or concern will result in the applicant’s file being set aside.
How will the refugees get here?
The whole plan will cost up to $678 million over six years, and will see the influx of Syrians heading to 36 communities across the country.
The government unveiled its updated plans on Tuesday.
Where will the refugees go?
They’ll initially land in Toronto or Montreal before going to various cities across the country. Refugee settlement is not a seamless process but is it much needed as the global refugee crisis continues to grow.
Canadian military personnel will also help government staff collect biometric data from the refugees as part of the security process.
The Department of National Defence tells Quinte News that 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.
What support will the refugees be given?