Statement by the NDP on “Proud to Protect Refugees” action week

NDP Citizenship and Immigration critic Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe made the following statement on Proud to Protect Refugees Action Week:

“This action week has a particularly urgent tone this year. According to the United Nations, there are currently 50 million refugees and displaced persons in the world – the highest number recorded since the Second World War. The conflict that has ravaged Syria over the last three years is in large part responsible for this terrible situation.

“Canada promised to accept 1,300 Syrian refugees – a very small number compared to other smaller countries. But applications processing continues to lag--and some have now been waiting two years with no response.

“Today, the NDP is again calling on the Conservative government to fulfill its promises to people who are forced to flee their country due to war and persecution. Conservatives must also restore financial aid to care for ailing refugees and to help reunite families.

“Our country must open its borders like we have in the past. This is what makes us proud and what made us the envy of the world.”