The Government of Prince Edward Island is prepared to work with federal partners to accept an increase in refugees moving to the province.
“I share the concern of Islanders and all Canadians regarding the effects of ongoing conflict in Syria and join governments and communities around the world calling for a collective response to assist those fleeing their home country in search of peace and security,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan. “Prince Edward Island has a long history of welcoming newcomers to our province and we will continue to work with our partners in these efforts.”
The Government of Prince Edward Island and Citizenship and Immigration Canada have an informal agreement for the province to accept 40 Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) per year. So far in 2015, the province has accepted 40 GARs with more scheduled to arrive in the near future.
“The numbers of refugees arriving on Prince Edward Island will surpass our expectations. I anticipate we will see more refugees as governments and community sponsors respond to the crisis emerging from Syria,” said Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Richard Brown. “We are ready to work with our partners to welcome refugees and to help them settle into the community, join the workforce and make homes on Prince Edward Island. It is our responsibility as Canadians and Islanders to respond with help when we see so many people in danger.”
Minister Brown said a conference call has been arranged for this Thursday with the provincial and territorial ministers in charge of immigration in order to talk about the growing refugee crisis.
“I look forward to our government responding in a collaborative fashion with our provincial and territorial counterparts. Furthermore, I will be asking for a full meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers to ensure a coordinated approach to the refugee situation,” said Minister Brown.
In addition to government-sponsored refugees, private organizations such as churches and community groups are able to sponsor refugees coming to Canada.
The province supports the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada which provides settlement services and programs for refugees who arrive in Prince Edward Island.
“The PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada has been welcoming refugees for over 22 years,” said Executive Director Craig Mackie. “We recognize the global need for assisting displaced people and our Association is more than willing and capable of resettling additional refugees in Prince Edward Island.”
Background
The government of Canada, through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), determines the selection and admission of refugees to Canada. CIC consults with provinces and territories about refugee settlement but retains the final decision of how many to accept into Canada and where to bring them for initial settlement.
There are two general categories of sponsored refugees - Government Assisted Refugees and Privately Sponsored Refugees.
The Government Assisted Refugees program provides federal financial assistance to the refugee for a normal period of one year after they arrive in Canada.
Under the Privately Sponsored Refugees program, a group of Canadians may offer to financially support a refugee for one year after they arrive in Canada.