The concern about a likely fake Syrian passport found near the body of an ISIS assailant in Paris has prompted more than a dozen U.S. governors to state they won't accept Syrian refugees. Even in Canada, at least one premier is calling on the federal government to suspend plans to resettle 25,000 refugees by the end of the year because of security concerns.
Thankfully, here in BC., saner heads are prevailing.
As the province where the family of drowned Syrian toddler Alan Kurdi lives, it's good to see that humanitarian aims trump fear-mongering.
It was not fake passports that kept the young Kurdi's family from reaching Canada but a lack of documentation, a situation that has thankfully been resolved with Canadian recognition of Syrians living in refugee camps.
The truth is the federal government's 25,000 resettlement project is really an aspirational goal. It is unlikely many people can be relocated here by the end of 2015, even with the best of intentions. Canada will continue to do security checks, as it always has, and the flow of refugees will require significant processing, as they always do, and this takes time.
For example, the latest report from Immigrant Services Society of BC puts forth a five-phase process for screening refugees, with information gathered oversees and here in Canada. And depending on individual circumstances, the first Syrian refugees to arrive under this humanitarian operation are not expected until early December.
The Tri-Cities have played a leading role in accepting government-assisted refugees and for several years have been one of the top three destinations.
In recent years, dozens of Iranian, Iraqi, Liberian and Bhutanese families have resettled in our community, with the result that this area has developed a multi-service safety net for people fleeing strife in their homelands.
There are groups working with refugees, including churches, and support for refugees in schools through Settlement Workers in Schools, as well as through non-profit and volunteer programs.
One issue, however, will likely be flagged in the coming months: the loss of affordable housing due to redevelopment along North Road. With fewer affordable apartments, fewer refugees will come here.
But for those refugees who do come and stay, let's ensure they experience a warm Tri-City welcome.
