Yellowknifers supporting Syrian Refugees showed up to a meeting at city hall last week to share experiences and ideas about bringing refugees to Canada. - Evan Kiyoshi French/NNSL photo |
Residents reach for refugees
Yellowknifers brainstorm how to lend a hand to those trying to flee Syria
Evan Kiyoshi French
Northern News Services
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Nancy Trotter knows how hard it can be to bring a refugee into Canada.
A United Church committee Trotter is part of has been trying for years to bring a Somalian refugee to Yellowknife but she keeps hitting roadblocks.
Trotter was one of about 30 people to gather at a meeting last week organized by Mayor Mark Heyck and members of city council, to share information and brainstorm ways to help millions of refugees trying to flee war-torn Syria.
Trotter's committee has been trying to bring the Somalian refugee into the country from a refugee camp in Malta. They've been filling out paperwork for about two-and-a-half years, but the refugee - whose sister lives in Yellowknife - is still on the Mediterranean island.
"There's been a lot of paperwork and commitment in terms of money," said Trotter. "It's been a little frustrating, and we've had a few roadblocks along the way."
Joanna Wilson, another member of the United Church committee, said they have had to produce a plan detailing how the refugee will be cared for once he arrives, who will drive him around to appointments, show him around town and begin teaching him about local customs. She said they've had to prove they have about half of the approximate $30,000 needed to bring the man here and they have to demonstrate how the rest will be raised.
Trotter said the group has been told the Canadian government considers the refugee camp in Malta as a "viable solution," she said, so the case has hit a wall.
Trotter said it's impossible to speak with an immigration representative to organize bringing refugees to the North because there are no certified immigration agents in the territory.
"It's very difficult even just to get to speak with anyone (in the NWT) about it," she said.
Heyck said there are several avenues that can be pursued to bring refugees into the country. The Group of Five model, he said, requires five people to get together, fundraise and plan for the arrival of a refugee.
He said current immigration laws are more stringent than they've been in the past but since the plight of Syrian refugees has garnered international attention, he anticipates those laws may change.
"I think there are probably better-than-average chances we're going to see some of that red tape that's bogging the system down right now change, regardless of who forms the next government of Canada."
Heyck said Yellowknifers need to communicate with each other and prepare for a long project.
"From the day you file your paperwork to the day the people actually land in the plane you might be looking at a year, you might be looking at three to four years," said Heyck.
Last week, Pope Francis urged European Catholics to take in refugees, calling on every parish, religious community, monastery and sanctuary to take in a refugee family to help alleviate the crisis.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen, for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, said the diocese continues to urge its followers to donate money to the cause, and has begun looking at the possibility of sponsoring families and bringing them to the city.
Kristen Cameron, of the Calvary Community Church, said her denomination is working to bring in refugees who are "paper ready," meaning their paperwork and finances are taken care of, so the only thing her group needs to worry about are the accommodations and arrangements once the refugees arrive.
"They could arrive in as little as one to three months," said Cameron. "We have to be ready a lot sooner."
Heyck said the city could play a role as a communications hub, helping the groups to share information and advice. He says the matter would be brought to council for consideration at future meetings.
Lindsay Armer said when she saw horrific images of Syrian refugees broadcast on the news, she decided to set up a Facebook group where Yellowknifers can meet and share ideas on how they can pitch in.
During the discussion at city hall, Armer said since setting up the page - Yellowknifers supporting Syrian refugees - last month, has more than 60 members, including church group members, city officials, and other concerned residents who are networking and sharing their ideas. Armer said there's much more city residents can do to help, but getting together and talking about it is a start.
"There's always more you can do," she said.
On Sept. 11, Premier Bob McLeod announced the GNWT is donating $25,000 to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as an immediate response to the crisis, and on Monday, the federal government announced it will match up to $100-million in donations Canadians make toward provided basic needs for refugees.
McLeod's announcement included a list of international organizations currently accepting donations to support refugees, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Canadian Red Cross, Lifeline Syria, UNICEF and Save the Children Canada.
