TORONTO – A proposed Syrian refugee resettlement program won the support of all Toronto city councillors except for one – Rob Ford.
With a vote of 42-1, council has agreed to allocate $600,000 from the city’s Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve to create a resettlement program that would help better transition refugees coming to Toronto.
The $600,000 cost would, in part, cover a possible assurance fund that would cover start-up costs for refugees if a sponsor’s financial situation changes and they are unable to continue to support the refugees.
READ MORE: Open doors to Syrian refugees, Cressy urges city council
Councillor Joe Cressy has been the driving force behind the resettlement program, saying the current refugee crisis is not just a Middle Eastern issue or European issue, but a global humanitarian issue.
“We have a history – and a proud history – of opening our borders and our doors in times of crisis and this program will help us establish and do just that,” Cressy said in an interview on Sept. 21.
“Prior to their arrival, the city would put into place an inter-agency task force that would work with organizations like Lifeline Syria and the Canadian Red Cross to coordinate arrival … After arrival, it will be a range of supports that it will bring to bear, from employment support, to housing support, to health support related to dental care and psychological treatment.”
Councillor Mike Layton reacted to the landslide vote, tweeting “council passes motion to support Syrian refugees, passes 44-1 (guess who – Ford).”
After the vote was completed Cressy tweeted he was “exceptionally proud’ of councils decision to move forward with the resettlement program.
Council voted 38 -5, for Mayor John Tory to request additional funding from the Federal government to support the resettlement program but voted against asking the Federal government to enlarge military support in the Middle East.
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