Statement from Raymond Louie, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and co-chair of the Task Force on Refugee Resettlement, following the meeting with Hon. John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship:
"Members of FCM's Task Force on Refugee Resettlement met again with the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship today to discuss the government's plan for Syrian refugees. Today's meeting was one of many FCM's Task Force has had with government officials on Canada's response to the critical situation in Syria. The minister made it clear that his government views municipalities as essential partners in any plan to settle and to successfully integrate refugees into our communities. Successful integration of refugees requires sustained commitment from all orders of government. We look forward to continued cooperation with our federal partners on a long-term strategy to ensure our communities are set up to meet the challenge this humanitarian crisis presents. The minister also offered further assurance that the security and health of Canadians will be a key component of the government's plan."
FCM is the national voice of municipal government. In leading the municipal movement, FCM works to align federal and local priorities, recognizing that strong hometowns make for a strong Canada.