TORONTO — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says the 10,000 Syrian refugees the province has committed to taking in is “a big number,” but there are millions of people in need.
Wynne says she knows some people are making a link between the refugee crisis and last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris and in light of that it’s important to confirm Ontario’s pledge to settle 10,000 refugees by the end of 2016.
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The premier says refugees can be brought to Ontario safely while at the same time making sure security provisions are in place.
READ MORE: Ontario prepares for refugee influx: timing and magnitude unknown
Wynne says Ontario will be ready to accept those refugees and is now in the process of ensuring they will have housing and services such as language training.
The premier also spoke about the need to be vigilant to ensure the Paris attacks don’t trigger hatred and racism, making particular mention of a fire set at a mosque in Peterborough and an attack on a Muslim woman in Wynne’s own Toronto riding.
And despite security concerns and an ongoing state of emergency, Wynne says she and the environment minister still plan to attend a climate change conference in Paris that is set to begin Nov. 30.
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