Preparations continue as Nova Scotia waits for exact refugees numbers

Preparations continue in Nova Scotia for the arrival of an initial group of Syrian refugees as immigration officials await word on how many will be coming to the province.

Officials said Wednesday that the federal government still hasn’t provided exact numbers.

Ottawa is now committed to bringing 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of February, with the first 10,000 to be resettled by the end of December.

Gerry Mills of the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia said early estimates suggest about 20 to 30 families who have been privately sponsored by churches and other community groups across the province will arrive next month.

Mills said there are some 60 sponsorship groups involved in Nova Scotia, with about half located in the Halifax area.

“We are trying to connect Syrian family members who are here already with the sponsoring groups,’’ said Mills. “So in fact, what we are doing as a province is trying to reunite families.’’

The Prince Edward Island government said Wednesday it is expecting to take in 250 refugees.

Nova Scotia Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the province continues to field calls from the public through its 211 line and has received 917 calls so far from individuals and groups offering various forms of help, from food and clothing to lodging and financial assistance.

“People are stepping up in many ways,’’ said Diab.

As an example, she said the city of Halifax passed a plan to offer refugees temporary transit passes and reduced rates at municipal recreation facilities.

“What we are doing as a province is trying to reunite families.” Gerry Mills