CORNWALL, Ontario – City hall is looking at putting together a task force to help with the resettlement of Syrian refugees.
Councillors issued orders to administration Monday night to look at the specifics of how the city can help when it comes to an influx of what could be hundreds of refugees who will presumably stay at the Nav Centre in Cornwall.
While nothing has been announced by the federal government concerning a plan to resettle refugees in Cornwall, council voted to get ready anyway.
“I know the question of Syrian refugees has been on our minds a lot. Although we have not been officially notified of what exactly the government’s intention will be, it is clear our community will be called upon,” said Coun. Bernadette Clement. “I believe that it’s time for the city to set up a committee. I know our managers have been listening to issues. We have to show we have a group together…to assist in any way.”
But there were some questions about why this move would be done now, before the federal government makes its Tuesday announcement on its plan to relocate 25,000 refugees to Canada.
“I’m just worried about putting the cart before the horse. We’re getting ready to do what?” said Coun. David Murphy. “We don’t know what needs will have to be filled.”
Mayor Leslie O’Shaughnessy weighed in further.
“The City of Cornwall has been asked to do nothing,” he said. “The logistics are going to be nightmare…but I wish them the best of luck in doing this flawlessly.”
EMS chief Myles Cassidy said any refugees relocated to Cornwall would likely be on an interim basis.
“There are a number of phases to this operation,” he said. “And, a place like the Nav Centre could be termed an interim lodging centre. The key there is interim. While those people are in the community, there may be an impact on health and regular health services as any other bump in population might provide.”
Coun. Andre Rivette suggested the former general hospital should be used to help with any health care issues the refugees might present.
“If we start backlogging our hospitals, we have a problem,” he said, suggesting the emergency room in Cornwall is busy enough as it is. “Whoever they give it to, they should be getting an area of the general hospital.
“It’s not saying we don’t want to treat them…let’s just make sure the community doesn’t suffer.”
Council will learn what kind of shape the task force will take at its Dec. 14 meeting.