More than 100 communities to house privately sponsored Syrian refugees, new map shows
'It is so encouraging to see communities, large and small, coming together,' immigration minister says
Privately sponsored Syrian refugees could be settled in more than 100 communities across Canada, with Toronto and Quebec taking the bulk, according to data released by the federal government.
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While the decisions are not final, the government has released a map of destination communities where private individuals or groups have applied to sponsor refugees.
The map lists 65 communities, but does not include Quebec, where sponsorship applications are approved provincially. Quebec has previously said it will take in 3,650 refugees by the end of the year, 2,900 of whom will be privately sponsored.
With all provinces combined, the federal government said people in more than 100 communities have applied to sponsor Syrian refugees.
According to the map, the Greater Toronto Area will take 2,600 privately sponsored refugees, Calgary will take 502, Edmonton will take 321 and Ottawa will take 127.
"It is so encouraging to see communities, large and small, coming together in support of this complex initiative and welcome these Syrian refugees," Immigration Minister John McCallum said. "The generosity and compassion of Canadians will help them successfully transition to life in Canada."
The federal government's current goal is to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of February 2016, some through private sponsorship and some through government assistance. The Liberals initially promised to bring 25,000 by the end of the year but later revised the timeline.