Message #60614

[Psalm 51:17]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/syrian-refugees-bc-settlement-backlash-plan-1.3324702
Syrian refugees: B.C. government checking capacity of regions to settle newcomers
Provincial funding will go toward health care and education costs of settling refugees, says Shirley Bond.
11/18/15

The B.C. government says it is working to ensure settlement services have the capacity to handle 2,500 refugees arriving in the province in the next six weeks.

Thousands of Syrian refugees expected in B.C.
Refugee backlash 'un-Canadian,' says former B.C. premier
Shirley Bond, B.C.'s Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, spoke with Rick Cluff on CBC Radio One's The Early Edition about the backlash against refugees settling in northern B.C., and explained what the provincial government is doing to support the newcomers.

What are your thoughts on the backlash in some northern communities against refugees settling there?

I'm a very proud Northerner — I live in Prince George. I've certainly heard both sides of the argument.

I've heard people welcoming and reaching out to welcome refugees in many parts of the province, not just northern B.C. People are offering their help and their assistance.

And then there are those who are concerned about the services that are available, looking at the job situation in some parts of the province.

I understand and I certainly acknowledge people's concerns and I want to reassure British Columbians that we are looking at capacity. That is an important part of this.

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