July 3, 2013

Canada’s Commitment to Syrian Refugees

Posted by: Alexa Woods

The Canadian government has recently made a commitment to help resettle up to 1,300 Syrian refugees during 2013 and 2014.  An urgent appeal from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to resettle a limited number of extreme cases resulted in Canada’s offer to help 200 refugees through the Government-Assisted Refugees Program, with the remaining 1,100 to be accepted through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.  Canada has been working with Sponsorship Agreement Holders to accept this number despite being above the current number of resettlement spaces available.

Canada has committed $68.5 million to assist Syrian refugees, but an additional $115 million will be put towards assistance of the refugees, and to neighbouring countries that are experiencing a severe influx of refugees.  Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has also promised $100 million in funding to Jordan over the next three years in order to maintain Jordan’s ability to help temporarily house these refugees as well as enhance security in their refugee camps.

Furthermore, CIC, through a partnership with UNHCR and the International Catholic Migration Commission, will have the funds to be able to deploy up to five staff members to help with Syrian resettlement in neighbouring countries.

Wherever possible, the Government of Canada hopes to expedite the processing of family class applications given the dire circumstances.

Click here to learn more about claiming refugee protection.

Click here to learn more about applying for Family Class Sponsorship.