The Government of Canada has committed to resettling 25,000 Syrian refugees by February 29, 2016. Get the latest update on the progress being made through the #WelcomeRefugees initiative.
For general information about refugees and Canada’s refugee system, click here.
ADVISORY: BEWARE OF RESETTLEMENT FRAUD
Please be advised that there have been a number of scams and fraudulent activities being perpetrated on newcomers to the country, particularly Syrian refugees. Follow this link for important information from IRCC on what kinds of fraud newcomers to Canada should watch out for. For information in Arabic, click here.
What is happening in Lambton County?
There are more than 15 families being privately sponsored by local community and faith groups throughout Lambton County. As of July 2016, six families have arrived in Sarnia-Lambton and a means to sponsor more families in the community are underway. Click here for a story and images of the arrival of the first Syrian family to Sarnia sponsored through the #WelcomeRefugees initiative.
Sponsoring organizations have many responsibilities to the families they support including the provision of general care, lodging, settlement assistance and financial support for the duration of 12 months. A Lambton Refugee Sponsors Network has been formed in order to meet the needs of sponsoring groups and connect them with local settlement resources.
Local immigrant & settlement agencies include:
- Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFO) de London-Sarnia (ACFO)
- Southwestern Ontario YMCA Learning & Career Centre, Immigrant Services
Support from community members across Lambton continues to exceed expectations. For example, as of early January 2016, more than $150,000 has been pledged by area sponsoring groups collected through in-kind and cash donations from local individuals and families.
