SASKATOON – The Government of Canada has released plans for the resettlement of 25,000 people fleeing war-torn Syria. Saskatoon will be one of 36 destination cities that will receive Syrian refugees, City of Saskatoon staff confirmed Tuesday.
However, instead of welcoming 25,000 Syrians by the end of the year, only 10,000 are scheduled to arrive on time – mainly privately sponsored refugees. The remaining 15,000 are slated to come to Canada by the end of February.
“I’ve heard Canadians across the country say ‘yes, you have to do it right and if it takes a little bit longer to do it right, then take the extra time,'” said Immigration Minister John McCallum at a Tuesday afternoon news conference.
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Terrorist attacks in Paris intensified criticism of the government’s refugee strategy, with many saying a rushed resettlement process could allow members of the Islamic State Group into Canada under false pretences.
It’s unclear how many refugees will come to Saskatoon, but Helen Smith-McIntyre, chair of the Saskatoon Refugee Coalition, hopes 600 to 800 people will make the city their home.
“I’m really happy that we’re bringing refugees – a little slower maybe than had initially been planned – but they’re coming,” Smith-McIntyre said.
Refugees will include complete families and the most vulnerable populations.
Medical examinations and background checks will happen overseas. Housing, education and language services will be rolled out once Syrians make Saskatoon their home.
“Along the way, there’s important paperwork to be done: social insurance numbers, health cards, child tax benefits, these kinds of documents,” Smith-McIntyre said.
The federal government estimates the program will cost $678 million over the next six years.
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