Chatham-Kent welcoming community presentation during Monday night's council meeting. April 10, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)Chatham-Kent welcoming community presentation during Monday night's council meeting. April 10, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Chatham

Chatham-Kent Ready To Welcome Newcomers

Chatham-Kent and other municipalities are joining forces to help refugees find somewhere to call "home".

Earlier this week, Toronto Mayor John Tory issued a statement asking for mayors to offer support in relocating more than 3,300 people in Toronto's shelter program. According to a media release sent by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent on Friday, the statement was issued after a conference call by the Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario.

Chatham-Kent is no stranger to welcoming newcomers. As stated in the release, Syrian refugees who came to the municipality two years ago have established roots.

"As Canada’s first welcoming community for Syrian refugees, we have shown the capability and the willingness to provide humanitarian aid and a chance to help newcomers begin a new life,” says Hope in a statement.

It's unknown at this time how many people will be moving to the area or when, but municipal staff are going over details with officials in Toronto.

CAO Don Shropshire says a "target number" on newcomers hasn't been made.

“It’s not simply a question of saying we will take X number of people,” says Shropshire. “Ideally, we want to bring people here who can obtain employment, relocate, and make this their new home.”

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