Refugees in B.C.: Coming to Vancouver will be tough, immigration lawyer says

As families, churches and community groups make plans to sponsor Syrian refugees arriving in B.C., they may want to find locations outside Vancouver, says immigration lawyer Richard Kurland.

On Tuesday, the federal government laid out its plans to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees before a revised deadline of February 2016, including 10,000 by private sponsorship.

The high cost of living — especially housing — in Vancouver means integration could be difficult for refugees without family ties and support, said Kurland, who is advising groups that are considering private sponsorship.

"Vancouver as a primary destination for refugees doesn't make sense," he said.

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"You may not have snow and ice but you sure have a high cost of living, and refugees destined for Vancouver without family here are going to have a hard time of it."

Kurland said it can cost up to $50,000 for a private group to sponsor a family in Vancouver, whereas that money may stretch to two or three families elsewhere.

He said he's advised faith groups and others to send the money they raise to affiliates in other provinces, but most have told him they also want to offer the newcomers community and emotional support — which can't be sent by money order.

'Heartwarming' response in B.C.

B.C. Public Safety Minister Shirley Bond called Ottawa's decision to delay the resettlement of the promised 25,000 refugees by two months a "very prudent approach."

The province is still waiting for specific numbers on how many refugees will come to B.C. — which is a federal decision, said Bond.

B.C. has the capacity to take in up to 3,500 Syrian refugees across the province, said Bond, who praised the efforts of individuals, churches and communities offering to help.

"It's been really heartwarming ... we continue to be impressed and encouraged by the people who are reaching out and saying we want to be part of welcoming refugees to British Columbia."

She said B.C. receives an average of 1,600 to 1,700 refugees every year, and will be ready.

"As we speak, immigrant-serving organizations across the province are identifying housing options and looking at the supports that refugees will require," said Bond.

Victoria 'very keen'

The federal government plan calls for refugees to arrive in 36 destination cities, but didn't name the cities or offer a breakdown by province.

Immigration Minister John McCallum praised the east and west coasts of Canada as especially enthusiastic.

"I've also spoken to the mayor of Victoria, Lisa Helps, she is very keen to receive refugees, not only for Victoria, but for other places on Vancouver Island," he said.

He was also asked about the cost in Metro Vancouver — which he acknowledged, but didn't elaborate on how that would affect settlement plans, if at all.

"In terms of Vancouver being costly, that is true, obviously," said McCallum to reporters.

"My vision ... is to have [refugees] distributed relatively equally across the country."