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Evaluating Canada's Response to the

Syrian Refugee Crisis Honourable Michelle Rempel

Member of Parliament, Calgary Nose Hill

March 10, 2017 9:00am – 4:30pm

Lessons Learned: The Syrian Refugee Initiative

During the 2015 Election, Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada made a large commitment to increase

Canada’s intake of Syrian refugees. The Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program was taken on by the Government to bring

25,000 Syrian refugees between November 4, 2015 and February 29, 2016 to Canada. While achievements were made

in bringing those who have suffered from violence and instability in Syria to Canada, the program was far from flawless.

In the media today, we see countless reports of struggles that Syrian refugees are facing, particularly as the Government

Assisted Refugees make it to Month 13, which marks when their federal assistance or private sponsor funding expires.

Private sponsors and generous organizations have faced bureaucratic challenges and lack of communications, as they

attempt to bring refugees to Canada. Furthermore, in the face of Yazidi genocide and sexual enslavement, Canada’s

response to their plight was harshly insufficient. Other oppressed groups, such as LGBTQ+ refugees, have had a hard

time in gaining refugee status, as they fear further prosecution and discrimination in United Nations’ camps.

This leads to the question, what lessons can we learn from the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program? How can

Canadian policy-makers ensure that future initiatives are implemented with consideration of this program’s pitfalls? And

what can we take away from this program and apply more broadly to Canada’s immigration policies?

In examining the aftermath and limitations of the Syrian Refugee Initiative and the various repercussions this will have on

Canada, this workshop will illustrate the importance of building a resettlement policy that is motivated by compassion

but also efficient and effective practices. Furthermore, this workshop will also examine the broader implications this

program has on Canadian immigration policies going forward.

1. Consultation and communications undertaken by the government with affected stakeholders

a. Experiences of private sponsorship groups;

b. Effects of lack of communication by the government;

c. Communications and morale – the impact of uncertainty;

d. Resources of the affected stakeholders.

2. Logistics and planning for the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program

a. Transparent funding and financial planning;

b. International Organization for Migration, Commercial flights and private sponsors;

c. Influx of demand for resettlement services, particularly language classes and childcare;

d. Removing private sponsorship caps and encouraging Canadian generosity.

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3. Distribution of information to Syrian refugees

a. Promotion of community groups and reputable organizations who can aid in resettlement;

b. Development of booklets and informational packages;

c. Communicating best practices and tips for refugees and their sponsors.

4. How do we help the most vulnerable?

a. Expediting victims of genocide – Yazidis and the refugee resettlement program;

b. Benefits of working with NGOs;

c. The limitations of the UNHCR;

d. The current state of Yazidi resettlement in Canada;

e. Special protection for LGTBQ refugees.

5. Improving future refugee initiatives and more broadly, Canada’s immigration policies

a. What has Canada done right?

b. What are the implications of flaws in the program?

c. The current state of Canada’s immigration policies;

d. Strengthening immigration policy for a safer, stronger and better democracy.

Required Readings

Report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, please ensure you also read the “Supplementary

Opinion the Conservative Party of Canada” (page 53-60) and the “Dissenting Opinion of the New Democratic Party of

Canada” (61-70).

http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/421/CIMM/Reports/RP8555094/421_CIMM_Rpt07_PDF/421_CIMM_R

pt07-e.pdf

Provides perspective on Yazidis, their religion and the genocide: http://search.proquest.com/docview/1797852178?pq-

origsite=gscholar

The German Yazidi resettlement program and mental health programs for survivors:

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(16)30004-9/fulltext

One Free World’s Report and Recommendations to CIMM (a good example):

http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/421/CIMM/Brief/BR8394438/br-external/OneFreeWorldInternational-

e.pdf

For perspective on the experiences of sponsorship groups:

http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/421/CIMM/Brief/BR8329316/br-external/ThomasVincent-e.pdf

Three part series by the New York Times:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/world/americas/canada-syrian-refugees.html

Recommended Readings

For background on Canada’s resettlement programs:

http://www.lop.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/ResearchPublications/2015-11-e.html

For response on the initiative by other legislative bodies: Standing Senate Committee on Human Right’s Report:

http://www.parl.gc.ca/content/sen/committee/421/RIDR/Reports/RIDR_RPT_SyrianResettlement_FINAL_E.pdf