Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

Immigration Minister John McCallum Says 'Crazy' To Think Refugees Don't Want To Come To Canada

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Dec, 2015 01:07 PM
    MONTREAL — The idea that there are many refugees who don't want to come to Canada is "crazy" said federal Immigration Minister John McCallum on Thursday, in response to reports that only a small percentage of Syrian refugees were interested in relocating to this country.
     
    McCallum just returned from visiting a refugee camp in Jordan, where he said there is "huge enthusiasm — a great hunger to come to Canada."
     
    He was responding to questions about comments his own immigration officials made on Wednesday, which were reported by several Canadian news organizations.
     
    The officials reportedly said during an off-the-record briefing with reporters that fewer than five per cent of people contacted by the United Nations wanted to come to Canada by the end of December.
     
    McCallum suggested there might have been technical problems contacting people in camps, and that some refugees might want to stay out of hope the situation in Syria would improve and they could move back home.
     
    "But there are a huge number of people who want to come," he said. "Look at how many went to Germany — almost a million! — The idea that they don't want to come to Canada is crazy."
     
    McCallum was in Montreal Thursday for a meeting with Quebec Immigration Minister Kathleen Weil and about a dozen refugee, church and community groups working on the logistics of bringing refugees to the province.
     
     
    Weil wouldn't get into details of how the province will coordinate the settling of more than 2,000 refugees who are expected to arrive by plane into Montreal by the end of the year.
     
    Quebec has set aside $29 million until the end of 2016 to settle over 7,000 refugees.
     
    She said the money is enough to cover foreseeable costs, adding the federal government said it would help pay for any surprises.
     
    "Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard spoke with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said the federal government would be there with respect to additional costs," she said.
     
    McCallum said that after meeting with the provincial stakeholders he is convinced "Quebec is ready," adding 13 of the 36 Canadian cities planning to welcome refugees are in Quebec.
     
    He also called on individuals and companies to do what they can to help the country settle the 25,000 Syrians the Liberal government has committed to welcoming by the end of February.
     
    Ottawa says the refugee program will cost $687 million.
     
     
    McCallum said CN Rail has pledged a yet-undisclosed amount of money to help settle refugees.
     
    "We hope CN is the first of many companies who will help," he said.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    CRTC Uses Anti-spam Powers To Take Down Toronto-based Malware Server

    CRTC Uses Anti-spam Powers To Take Down Toronto-based Malware Server
    A computer infected with Dorkbot can also download other malware and compromise a system further.

    CRTC Uses Anti-spam Powers To Take Down Toronto-based Malware Server

    Son Of Slain Couple Stands By RCMP And Crown Despite Disclosure Problems

    Brett McCann has been attending a pre-trial hearing this week for Travis Vader, who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the 2010 deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann.

    Son Of Slain Couple Stands By RCMP And Crown Despite Disclosure Problems

    Fiat Chrysler Recalling 121,603 Dodge Darts Worldwide For Brake Issue

    Fiat Chrysler Recalling 121,603 Dodge Darts Worldwide For Brake Issue
    The recall affects 2013 and 2014 model year Darts with 2-litre and 2.4-litre engines.

    Fiat Chrysler Recalling 121,603 Dodge Darts Worldwide For Brake Issue

    Saskatchewan Premier Home From Paris, Says World Interested In Carbon Capture

    Saskatchewan Premier Home From Paris, Says World Interested In Carbon Capture
    REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has returned home after attending the international climate conference in Paris, where he promoted carbon capture and storage technology.

    Saskatchewan Premier Home From Paris, Says World Interested In Carbon Capture

    Canada Lost 35,700 Jobs In November, Jobless Rate Inches Up To 7.1 Per Cent

    OTTAWA — The Canadian economy shed 35,700 jobs in November to reverse a rise in temporary work likely generated by October's federal election, Statistics Canada said Friday.

    Canada Lost 35,700 Jobs In November, Jobless Rate Inches Up To 7.1 Per Cent

    Ontario Won't Raise Mining Tax Despite Auditor's Report: Minister

    Ontario Won't Raise Mining Tax Despite Auditor's Report: Minister
    TORONTO — Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the Ontario government is not going to increase the mining tax, despite the auditor general's concern about falling revenues.

    Ontario Won't Raise Mining Tax Despite Auditor's Report: Minister