Welcoming refugees

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Governor General David Johnston is asking Canadians to welcome refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria. He hosted a forum on refugees at Rideau Hall today.

The Governor General is calling Canada’s response to the Syrian refugee crisis a defining moment for the country. Saying it’s about living up to who we are as Canadians.

Canada plans to accept 25 000 Syrian refugees by the end of February. During today’s discussion the Immigration Minister admitted the government doesn’t yet have all the answers on how best to bring the refugees into the country. He urged the business community to help refugees find housing and jobs.

Today’s forum included federal, provincial and municipal political leaders as well as heads of business organizations and aid groups, with the goal of better co-ordinating efforts.

“It’s an opportunity to mobilize our communities from St. John’s to Winnipeg to British Columbia and so many points between to re-imagine how we take care of the most marginalized and vulnerable among us and stand together as a smart and caring country who believes in and fights for equality of opportunity for every single one of us.” said Governor General David Johnston.

Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring held a community meeting tonight at Mainway Recreation Centre to discuss how the community can come together to support Syrian refugees. There were officials from the federal and provincial governments there, as well as aid groups