MP Zimmer Concerned with Current Syrian Refugee Resettlement Plan

OTTAWA – Bob Zimmer, Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, is calling on the Liberal government to reconsider its current plan to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of the year.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum, Mr. Zimmer conveyed his concerns, as well as those he has heard from constituents.

“Given the most recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut, many constituents have reached out to me to express their concern with bringing such a large number of refugees into the country in such a short amount of time,” Mr. Zimmer wrote. “We are concerned that with such a tight timeline, proper and thorough security and health checks will not take place. I am also deeply concerned, along with my constituents, about our ability to assist these refugees once they have arrived in Canada.”

Mr. Zimmer went on to write that while he too wishes to help those fleeing violence, it must be done responsibly.

“I believe that the vast majority of Canadians, including myself, share in your desire to help those fleeing the violence in their homeland,” wrote Mr. Zimmer. “However, we must ensure that every possible safety precaution is taken and all appropriate security procedures are in place to ensure those entering Canada do not pose a threat to our communities. Unfortunately, this takes time.”

The letter ends with Mr. Zimmer asking that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reconsider his current plan in an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of all Canadians.

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