I say give this money to the St. Vincent De Paul for local homeless people first.

old schooler,

You must have been a strong advocate for the homeless all the time right? So many people seem to be concerned about the homeless now that there is a refugee crisis. Where was this support prior to this?

Although there is always a limit on resources available, we would be a pretty ineffective society if we chose one issue to deal with at a time. Why can’t we help both the homeless and refugees?

Hmm,old schooler, at first blush, I agree, but, how many of the homeless in this town will become productive tax paying citizens supporting our social programs. Ironically, much better chance educated Syrian refugees will be contributing in under 2 years. When I was born, there was 4 young to each old. Now it’s 3 to 2, headed for 2 to 2. We need people who can work. Personally, I think the refugee argument is a bit lame, lot’s of people from the Philippines who could come and adapt more easily, but, Syrians are the flavor of the week and they make Justin look good. So, bump the immigrants that tried the legal approach for the refugees. Interestingly there was an article in CBC about refugee family that decided to stay in Lebanon because Canada didn’t sound so great. So not sure just how bad it is over there.

ski51, I’m assuming you’ve never had family effected by war? I’ve been lucky to live my entire life in Canada where wars always happen in a far away land. However, I do have family which have been refugees in the past. I can assure you its not as simple as a “flavor of the week” situation. The situation is desperate, it needs attention now. Many of these people have been in camps for years, its not as though the process has been an easy one. If PG was suddenly under attack and our city was crumbling before our eyes, and we were forced to leave our homes. I’m sure you wouldn’t think it was a “lame refugee argument”

As for them being reluctant to come to Canada, depends on what they’ve heard of our country. With opinions like your own, I’m sure we come off as cold (and not our weather).

Another case of someone in their own bubble and not understanding their conditions.

I want proof these are war torn refugees, as most are from safe havens in Turkey and are not at risk.

no pgjohn, no experience whatsoever. Oh, except my two grandfathers who fought the Nazis, came home with PTSD, the effects of which affected my father and mother, and now us – because PTSD is a gift that just keeps on giving.

My Uncle use to sit us down and tell us great WWII stories – not. He would never talk about it, other than to tell us to stay as far away from war as possible.

I use the term flavour of the week, because there have been refugees in truly horrible situations in Africa for decades, and no fund raising for them. No big push to bring them over here, but they haven’t had the good fortune to be bombed by NATO – at least officially.

Syrians are making great photo ops for the PM right now, but if you want to worry about people who are truly in the s**t – give Ethiopia or Somalia a try. Uganda regularly executes homosexuals – how about them?

As for my opinion, I think I’m generally supportive of refugees – my thoughts being we need young people – Syria is as good as any. But don’t kid yourself, this is all about optics. Harper was bad to Muslims, Trudeau is nice to Muslims. Trudeau is good, Harper is bad.

family units first. no single people.

I have no problems, with the family units. I think they will work harder to become Canadians, so that their children will have a better chance in life.