Mayor Matt Brown will be among more than 100 politicians gathering for a forum about welcoming Syrian refugees to the country.
The forum, hosted by Governor General David Johnston, takes place in Ottawa Tuesday. It will highlight Canada's diversity, inclusion, and volunteerism efforts to prepare for the arrival of the refugees.
The forum kicks off with opening remarks from Johnston, followed by panel discussions about the settlement and integration process of Syrian refugees to their new home country.
Topics that will be covered during the forum include how best to mobilize the coordinated and collaborative action of governments, private sector businesses, communities and individuals in support of welcoming refugees to Canada; the importance of continued collaboration and the sharing of best practices, experiences, and approaches.
“I am pleased to see the Governor General bring people together to address the challenges we will all face as we welcome the refugees into our communities,” says Mayor Brown. “It’s vital that we have coordinated responses and practices to best help all of those involved.”
The London Free Press reports nearly 100 Syrian families will be relocated to London by the end of the year. The government will sponsor 20 Syrian families coming to London, while private sponsors will bring another 75 families to the city.
In total, the Federal government has committed to taking in 25,000 refugees by the end of February through its resettlement program.