November 20, 2015 – The Municipal Emergency Control Group met today to begin planning should the City formally be requested to assist in the resettlement of Syrian refugees. The meeting was called following a resolution of Council made Monday night to potentially welcome approximately 20 families, or up to 100 United Nations’ screened refugees.

“Thunder Bay is no stranger to hosting refugees in this community,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “We have a successful, hospitable track-record going back many years of hosting and resettling refugees including those from Burma, Kosovo and Vietnam.

“At this point, we have not formally been asked to accept any refugees; however, relationships with community partners are established and our Municipal Emergency Control Group has met to begin discussions and planning should the need arise.

“To date, there has been a huge outpouring of support from individuals, organizations and business to welcome those in need. It is important to know that anyone Thunder Bay would receive has undergone a very thorough screening process over several months through the United Nations, the RCMP and the Canadian Border Services and Customs Agency – processes that began long before recent events. The folks we could expect to assist with resettling are not those walking across borders in Europe or elsewhere – they’ll have gone through vigorous vetting processes abroad and here in Canada. Formal financial agreements will also be in place.”

The City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service and the RCMP is working jointly with the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, Canadian Red Cross, Doors to New Life Refugee Centre, the Thunder Bay Mosque and Muslim Student Association.

If members of the public would like to help, donate, get involved or volunteer; contact the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association at 345-0551. If citizens would like to share their opinion, contact the Mayor’s office or any member of Council, or to request a Deputation to Council on this topic they may write a letter to the City Clerk requesting a Deputation and outline with what information they are offering or outcome they are seeking.

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Contact:       Mayor Keith Hobbs, 625-3601
                     Valerie Marasco, Public Information Officer/Supervisor – Corporate Communications, 625-2438, cell 621-4151