The city is willing to welcome up to 20 Syrian families to Thunder Bay, in as little as two weeks, so long as the feds foot the bill.
It comes after the mayor says he received a call from Canada’s Immigration Minister over the weekend, asking for the city’s support, as the new Liberal government pursues an ambitious goal to resettle thousands of refugees by year end.
Council is tasking the Emergency Operations Committee to organize ways to temporarily offer housing, food and transportation to about 100 refugees…an endeavor that’s expected to cost up to $200,000 a week.
But Councilor Linda Rydholm says the cost of aid shouldn’t be downloaded onto the municipality.
While many councilors are questioning where this money will come from, acting city manager Norm Gale says there’s no harm in getting the Committee to do some preliminary work.
Councilors unanimously agreed refugee families coming to Thunder Bay, without a private sponsor, should be contingent on government dollars.
Councilor Brian McKinnon adds he wants to see the same support for Aboriginal families.
The mayor assures he told the minister Thunder Bay needs a federal partner providing support to the Aboriginal community.
