Quebec mayors appeased by provincial plan to resettle refugees
Closed-door meeting discussed resources, dates and money, not security
Mayors and other representatives from Quebec municipalities expected to receive up to 5,700 Syrian refugees say they are reassured with the province's resettlement plan.
Representatives from 13 Quebec municipalities gathered in Longueuil on Sunday evening to discuss logistics, money and dates.
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Laval mayor and former police officer Marc Demers said public security was not among their concerns.
The meeting focused on specific questions around resources, including when municipalities will begin to receive refugees, how many they will receive and what kind of financial contribution the province will provide, Demers said.
Municipal Affairs Minister Pierre Moreau says Quebec has committed $29 million to support the integration of Syrian refugees.
Details of the federal government's plan to welcome 25,000 refugees nationwide is set to be announced on Tuesday. If it involves any changes to Quebec's plan, Moreau said he will expect Ottawa to provide additional funds to municipalities.
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Quebec has disclosed a few details about its refugee plan:
- 13 municipalities will take in the refugees.
- Some Montreal school boards have been asked to make room for up to 2,400 Syrian children from the age of four to 17.
- The military is planning on providing interim lodging for refugees, mostly at bases in Quebec and in Ontario.