For Immediate Release
November 17th, 2015
Mayor Crombie Calls for Action Plan to Accommodate Syrian Refugees
Mississauga – The Region of Peel needs a comprehensive action plan to coordinate efforts to accommodate the influx of Syrian refugees, Mayor Bonnie Crombie said.
“The Trudeau government has committed to accepting 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of 2015,” Mayor Crombie said. “Premier Wynne has said 10,000 refugees will be welcomed in Ontario.
“This is a substantial undertaking, and it will require the efforts of all levels of government, and external stakeholder groups, to properly deliver on.
“We need to be ready to do our part. The compassionate thing to do is to have a plan.” Mayor Crombie added.
Mayor Crombie made the comments during a November 12 Peel Region Council meeting, where the Mayor introduced a motion, endorsed by Council, calling on staff to “report back to Council as soon as possible with an analysis of the Region of Peel’s capacity to meet the demand precipitated by the influx of Syrian refugees, as we as develop an action plan to coordinate the provision of services within the community.”
The Region of Peel is responsible for essential social services including health and children services, along with affordable housing. Mayor Crombie’s motion is also intended to help Regional Council properly understand how existing budgets and resources will be impacted as a result of the intake of Syrian refugees.
“The Syrian migrant crisis is a human tragedy that urgently deserves our attention and action,” Mayor Crombie added.
On October 20 Mayor Crombie hosted an information session with Life Line Syria to provide information about the refugee crisis and how residents can help. Further information is available on the City of Mississauga’s website.
“Mississauga has always been welcoming to refugees and our doors are always open. It is my hope that we can do our part to assist in this crisis, and help those in need,” Mayor Crombie concluded.
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Please click here for the Syria Capacity Motion Correspondence by Mayor Crombie, dated November 4, 2015, to Peel Regional Councillors and Chair Frank Dale.