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Quebec premier to sponsor Syrian refugee family with help of others in riding

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard speaks to reporters at the beginning of a Quebec Liberal government caucus meeting, Thursday, August 27, 2015 in Saint-Georges-de-Beauce Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

QUEBEC CITY – Premier Philippe Couillard is going to sponsor a Syrian refugee family with the help of other people in his riding north of Quebec City.

Couillard told Le Quotidien newspaper he will be part of a group seeking to collectively sponsor a displaced Syrian family.

READ MORE: Quebec asks Ottawa for help bringing in refugees

Harold Fortin, a spokesman for Couillard, said the premier’s decision was a personal one he made with his wife and friends.

WATCH: Quebec wants to welcome more Syrian refugees

Collectively sponsoring a family means covering costs related to food, shelter, health care and relocation.

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They must also help them find work, learn French and settle in Quebec.

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READ MORE: Elizabeth May meets with Coderre, blasts Harper’s response to Syria

Last week, Couillard said Quebec was ready to accept more refugees in the province given the flood of people fleeing the war-torn country.

READ MORE: Ontario asks Ottawa to bring 5,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by year end

The province announced Monday it was prepared to accept 3,650 Syrian refugees before the end of 2015 – 2,450 more than it had originally planned.

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