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Ontario Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins says details are still being worked out with the plan to bring Syrian refugees to Ontario. “The fact that all of the refugees now will be permanent residents, there was an expectation that Ontario would have to provide the medical screening on arrival. That’s no longer the case, so we are able to focus our health activities on public health, protection and screening. As well as attending to the general health needs of the refugees upon arrival.”
In the next few days and weeks, privately sponsored refugees will be arriving in Canada, and many of them will start their new lives in Hamilton. Adam Atkinson spoke to the woman tasked with co-ordinating the welcome of these new Canadians.
Deborah Tunis has a big job, welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada. “This is the work I love, working with province, municipalities the settlement sector, so when the government approached me, I really wanted to answer the call.”
She came out of retirement to do the job, and coordinating opportunities for that many new Canadians is a monumental task. “I don’t have a big role in terms of identification, my interest is in terms of long term settlement and integration.”
And that’s where she’ll work with agencies like Wesley Urban Ministries, who will help find homes for the refugees coming to Hamilton.
“We’ll be looking at temporary accomodations for a period of time, and from there we’ll be looking at permanent living in Hamilton and surrounding communities, Brantford St Catharines as well” says Stephanie Taylor from Wesley Urban Ministries.
Its not yet known how many Syrian refugees are coming to this area, but some agencies say they’re planning for over 300 families. “Its hard to say. There’s a mix of privately and government sponsored refugees, so we’re planning for 300 upwards and there’s different options based on what numbers may come.”
Regardless of how many refugees come to Hamilton, Deborah Tunis is confident they’ll be welcomed with open arms. “Hamilton has been a leader of resettlement of refugees for many many years. I have no doubt about Hamilton bringing out the welcome mat for refugees to arrive.”
Privately sponsored refugees are already arriving in our area, but most government sponsored refugees won’t be coming over until the new year.