Premier Pat Binns confirmed that the Province of Prince Edward Island has decided to increase the number of Kosovar refugees from 50 up to 125.
"On behalf of all of the people of Prince Edward Island I want to issue a warm welcome to each Kosovar," said Premier Binns. "These people have lived through desperate times and I know that as Islanders we will pull together to help them. I am very proud that our communities, churches, schools and service clubs are pulling together quickly to ease their transition and help these special people realize their goals to live in peace and put their lives back together."
As the end-of-July deadline to relocate refugees from military sustainment sites approaches, refugees will continue to be resettled over the next several weeks in Charlottetown, Cornwall, Murray River, East Prince and other communities.
The Premier noted that each refugee has received initial medical attention at their temporary military base accommodation. He also confirmed that the Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education, has ensured that school-age children will be admitted to PEI public schools and receive language training. Minister Gillan also noted children and adults will benefit from federally-supported programs covering costs for accommodations, health care and dental, and that federally-funded language training programs will be available for adults.
"This relief program is a humanitarian movement," said the Premier. "We must act and we must draw on Islanders compassion to make a difference for these needy people, who have voluntarily chosen to make PEI their temporary home."
Premier Binns advises that individuals and groups wishing to sponsor refugees can obtain an application form from local Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices or from the internet at: http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca
Completed applications can be faxed to (877) 880-8834. Volunteers and potential sponsor groups can also contact Bill Campbell, Provincial Coordinator, Private Sponsorship, 894-9993.
For more information contact:
Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island, (902) 368-4405.