City of Moncton asks for pause in resettling new Syrian refugees

The city of Moncton says they need time to get organized before accepting new Syrian refugees who want to resettle in the city.

City spokesperson Isabelle LeBlanc said Wednesday that the city has asked the federal government for a pause in the influx.

“In order for us to play a bit of catch up…we do still have people in hotels…like other municipalities across the country and we want to get those people into permanent apartments,” LeBlanc said.

READ MORE: First Syrian refugees to call N.B. home arrive in Fredericton

The city says there are still 30 families waiting to be placed in a permanent home. Additionally, they can’t enroll their children in school until that happens.

Moncton asked for a pause two weeks ago, and has not seen any more newcomers since then, but they aren’t sure how likely that reprieve will last.

Since December, Moncton has welcomed 315 Syrian refugees.

Fredericton also struggling

Fredericton mayor Brad Woodside also said during Monday’s council meeting that Fredericton needs to “take a breather” before accepting any more refugees.

The city is expecting to welcome 200 more refugees in addition to the 276 that have already settled there.

Woodside said the city is still willing to take more refugees, but wants to see the resettlement process being done in more manageable pieces, and has asked Ottawa to delay the next influx headed for Fredericton.