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October 29th, 2015

NDP calls for urgent action on Syrian refugee resettlement

Today, the NDP called on the new government to urgently release an action plan outlining how Canada will get thousands of Syrian refugees resettled in the country by the end of the year.

“This is about saving lives. Canada needs to act quickly if we are to bring 25,000 vulnerable Syrian refugees out of harm’s way by the end of the year, as promised by the Prime minister-designate during the electoral campaign,” said NDP MP Hélène Laverdière (Laurier – Sainte-Marie). “Canadians and the provinces stand ready to help – but we need a roadmap from the federal government.”

If Canada is to meet this ambitious target for refugee resettlement by the end of the year, the government must work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the provinces and settlement services to get Syrian refugees to Canada and ensure they are properly supported when they arrive.

“The whole world was moved by the tragic death of Alan Kurdi, and Canadians have showed a tremendous openness to welcoming – and even sponsoring – Syrian refugees caught in this crisis. The NDP stands ready to assist the new government on this important project,” said Laverdière.