Ottawa braces for refugee backlash

Plan outlines response to concerns

The federal government is bracing for a potential backlash to its Syrian refugee plan — from public concerns about whether the migrants carry infectious diseases to criticism from the United States about a “perceived” threat to border security.

The preparations are contained in a detailed draft federal plan, dubbed “Operation Syrian Refugees,” that outlines how the government intends to bring 25,000 refugees to this country by the end of December.

The document includes several examples of how the government must be prepared if Canadians question the cost of the plan, where migrants are housed, or whether security screening is sufficient.

“While there is general support among target audiences to do more for Syrian refugees, concerns have been expressed regarding the timelines by which Canada aims to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees,” says the 72-page report, obtained by the National Post.

Concern over backlash was echoed Friday by two premiers as well.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said there will “absolutely” be appropriate screening measures in place for the new refugees, but cautioned that “what we can’t give in to, I think, is allowing security to mask racism. That’s the danger.”

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard warned that Canada should never fall into the trap of becoming a “closed society” or move to restrict civil liberties because of concerns with security about refugees. “It’s not our nature, it’s not our values,” he said.

The draft report for the government, meanwhile, cautions it must be ready to confront questions over:

SECURITY

“The large movement of Syrian refugees outside of the normal immigration procedures for refugees have raised questions around the public security,” the report says. “Communications should acknowledge that there are security considerations and they are being incorporated in the Government of Canada’s efforts.”

HEALTH

The report says that “the influx of a large number of minimally vetted refugees will certainly lead to perceived concerns to the public health of Canadians and the increased risk of infectious diseases.

“It will be essential to communicate that after preliminary health checks overseas, further medical screening will be performed in Canada. We will need to be prepared to answer questions about quarantine process for those who fail health assessment.”

COST

The report stresses that proper accounting and “timely reporting” of the costs will be necessary in order to be publicly transparent.

HOUSING

The report says that housing refugees on military installations “has the potential to create negative media attention.”

WHAT WE CAN’T GIVE IN TO, I THINK, IS ALLOWING SECURITY TO MASK RACISM.