(Excerpt from Report)

The civil war crisis in Syria has led to a migration of refugees rarely seen in recent history. Canadians recognize the need to reach out, help Syrians who are leaving everything behind in fleeing their homeland and welcome them to a country whose multicultural tradition is known worldwide. And municipal leaders understand they have a pivotal role ensuring their communities are welcoming, open communities for Syrian refugees and for immigrants.

In September 2015, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities formed the Task Force on Syrian Refugee resettlement — recognizing the cultural, social and economic value newcomers contribute to our communities and the essential role local governments play in helping newcomers settle into Canadian life. Since then, cities and communities, big and small, have undertaken to create a place where refugees and immigrants feel valued and included, and to provide adequate housing, accessible transit, employment, language and cultural supports and services to help them succeed.

Every year there are millions of refugees globally. By sharing municipal responses to this crisis, we hope to set the standard for creating welcoming communities and opportunities for success for all newcomers who will come to call Canadian cities and communities home.

Since November 2015, communities across Canada have become home to more than 35,000 Syrian refugees. Our promise is to continue our work making our communities welcoming communities.