Re: Syrian Refugee crisis

Janice Arthur | Sep 09, 2015

Dear Mr. Reid,

I beg you to use your influence within the Conservative caucus to ease the sincere desire of Canadians to welcome many more Syrian refugees (10,000 this year, followed by similar numbers in succeeding years). Your government's current commitment is sorely inadequate.

Europe, particularly Greece, Hungary, and Germany, should not be bearing this burden. And certainly Syria's Mideast neighbours cannot do more. I hope you have heard Louise Arbour's CBC interview on the subject. The case could not have been put more clearly.

Mr. Harper advocates "a more balanced approach". This is not appropriate at this time; nor is it what Canada has often done well. An expanded and expedited immigration response is needed urgently, and before the coming election. Your party may not be in power then, although you personally may be in this riding. It is not too late to make the commitment that is the right thing to do.

We, and we are many, are waiting, even while we find our own individual ways to help. Will you take a stand on this issue, or take your leader's line?