CORNWALL, Ontario – Some local agencies are preparing for an anticipated influx of Syrian refugees, in some cases to see where they can help, despite a backlash in some circles.
Denis Thibault, co-chair of the Local Immigration Partnership – a program funded by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada – said he has reached out to city officials and other agencies across the country to lay the groundwork to aid in resettlement activities.
“We want to let them know we are here, and available,” he said in an interview. “We are part of a network across the country.
“As soon as I read your story I put it up on the email (network) we have here.”
Though nothing has been confirmed by the federal government, reports began to emerge Thursday night that as many as 900 Syrian refugees a day could begin landing in places like Montreal and Toronto next month, where they will then be moved to other places like Cornwall.
Thibault said – among others – pre-arrival measures like mobilizing city resources and supports could take place, and after refugees are here counselling services could be set up.
But so far the city is doing little, officially, to prepare for what many believe is the inevitable arrival of hundreds of refugees at, presumably, the Nav Centre.
“We’re monitoring this situation as it is evolving,” said Cornwall CAO Norm Levac, who suggested the city is not a formal partner in any potential endeavour that would see refugees housed within municipal boundaries. “The Nav Centre will be the host.”
Cornwall Community Police Service deputy chief Danny Aikman said his service has likewise not been officially notified of any plan, but that hasn’t stopped them from getting ready.
“We have certainly reached out to our federal partners to see what we can anticipate given the obvious direction things are going,” he said.
Meanwhile, the community has experienced a mixed reaction to word that the city could soon be a home for refugees from war-torn Syria.
While many people have expressed support for the move, there are others, who have voiced opposition via social media, who are set against it.
“This is a terrible idea. Wait (until) something happens close to home and everyone will be on the same boat then,” said one individual who posted on Seaway News’ Facebook page.
CTV News reported the Syrians will be identified by the United Nations and screened on the ground by the CBSA and CSIS, which will examine documents and biometric data, such as fingerprints.
If the immigrants pass further health and security checks once in Canada it is believed they will immediately become permanent residents.
