DORVAL – As of Tuesday night, airport officials were ready to start welcoming Syrian refugees leaving their war-torn country hoping for a better life in Canada.
As many as 20,000 refugees could begin arriving at the airport, but officials estimate it will be closer to 6,000.
Stephanie Lepage, a spokesperson for Trudeau airport, told Global News they anticipate refugees could start arriving Saturday and with planes landing regularly for several weeks.
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But Immigration Canada won’t confirm any timeline or number of refugees.
Planes carrying refugees will also be landing at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
Officials at Aéroports de Montréal as well as Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration Canada say they can screen 300 refugees every three to four hours.
The Syrians who will eventually become permanent residents will go through a triage of checks: their identities will be confirmed, they will be finger printed and health care background checks will be done.
But the serious security background checks will be done by Canadian visa workers overseas where each incoming refugee will be met and screened one-by-one for criminal activity or ties to terrorist organizations before they even board a plane.
“The system is rigorous. They’re stringent. No lax. No steps cut out of the process,” said Vito Vassallo of Immigration Canada.
Once here, provincial and Montreal city officials will help them find temporary housing.
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