WINNIPEG — Syrian refugees have already started arriving in Manitoba through private sponsors but 1500 to 2000 more will arrive in the next three months.
The Province rolled out its plan to welcome refugees and details about where they will settle.
Premier Greg Selinger said Thursday Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, a group that has helped Manitobans deal with flooding in the past, will coordinate with several other organizations for the placement of refugees.
Refugees will be initially housed in Winnipeg, where housing and services are available, while permanent homes are found.
“They will be provided with the initial orientation that they need so they can understand the tenancy and landlord relationship so they can get oriented and get health cards and social insurance number, open bank accounts,” said Ben Rempel, Assistant Deputy Minister for Manitoba Labour and Immigration,”housing is a challenge because we need to have it lined up in advance.”
“We have a hard challenge but a beautiful one,” said Bequie Lake, with Manitoba Immigrant and Refugee Settlement Sector Association.
Winnipegger’s have begun to step up, offering empty apartments, rental suites and homes.
When refugee’s first arrive, the province will only have a week or so warning and the groups will be greeted at the airport by Welcome Place, who helps new immigrants get settled.
Another need with me medical help, something that still needs to be addressed according to Hani Alubeady, a counsellor at Welcome Place.
“there’s a high possibility of having people with PTSD among adults and children and families coming from fresh war zones,” said Alubeady.
A Red Cross hotline will be activated Monday a place Manitobans can call if they want to help place refugees or provide assistance or they can go to www.manitoba.ca/refugees
“It will link those generous Manitobans to those agencies and organizations that need that help,” said Shawn Feely, with the Canadian Red Cross. “Let’s show them how generous and kind Manitoba is.”
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