FCM President Raymond Louie responds to Federal government’s plan for Syrian Refugees

Ottawa – Statement from Raymond Louie, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and co-chair of FCM’s Task Force on Refugee Resettlement on the announcement of the Federal government’s Syrian refugee resettlement plan:

 “Canadians all across our country are doing what we do best in times of crisis; we respond quickly and compassionately.  All levels of government are working together with private citizens, not-for-profits and service agencies to prepare the ground for the successful resettlement of thousands of Syrian refugees in the coming weeks. This is Canada at its very best and municipalities are proud to be part of this national effort.  We support the urgency with which the federal government is addressing the situation. Local governments will play an essential role in welcoming and resettling thousands Syrian refugees in the coming weeks and months.  We are sensitive to the stresses this will place on the services in our communities that provide critical supports for refugees such as language and cultural services, health and housing. Right now the focus needs to be on supporting the immediate needs of the refugees.  All levels of government will have more work to do to ensure we can increase the supply of affordable housing in many of our municipalities and secure investments in services that support successful integration. That is why we continue to work closely with the federal government to ensure the refugees and our communities are set up for success.”

FCM is the national voice of municipal government. In leading the municipal movement, FCM works to align federal and local priorities, recognizing that strong hometowns make for a strong Canada.

FCM’s Task Force on Syrian Refugee Resettlement

Co-Chairs
Raymond Louie, FCM President
Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
City of Saskatoon, SK
City of London, ON
City of Montréal, QC
City of Hamilton, ON
City of Edmonton, AB
City of Vancouver, BC
City of St. Albert, AB
Town of Aurora, ON
City of Halifax, NS
City of Toronto, ON
City of Kitchener, ON
City of Nelson, BC
City of Ottawa, ON