Quebec Offers Social Assistance to Refugees

Posted November 1, 2017 07:00

Canada continues to make attempts to deal with all the shelter requests it receives on a daily basis. Thousands cross the border in search of asylum and protection, while the authorities seek to placate the reactions of the current population.   Following a meeting held a couple of months ago between Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Québec Minister of Immigration, Kathleen Weil, more details on this situation have been released.   It has been reported that the number of minors who have crossed the border is much higher than expected. According to Minister Weil, one-third of all asylum seekers are persons under the age of 18. This translates to the addition of hundreds of children to current colleges and classrooms.   Also, those who have crossed the border in recent weeks will receive social assistance checks from the Quebec government as a sign of support while awaiting a decision in their cases.   Although many citizens express their opinion against this measure, the Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity of the province explained that such action is stipulated in a government decree of 1996.   The individuals will receive an initial amount of CAD $ 623, to which will be added other amounts depending on their family situation, if they are single and if they are married and with children. In principle, the government says that an amount will be given for a month, but everything indicates that these payments will have to be extended for a longer time.   It is hoped to be able to help about 4 thousand people, which represents an investment of at least $ 2,5 million by the government of Quebéc.   At the same time, the Prime Minister said that they are considering the option of granting temporary work permits so that these people do not have to be under the care of the State and can be kept pending a decision on their case.   The authorities have also clarified on several occasions that not all people will be accepted and that many will have to return to their countries.   We will have to wait a couple of months or maybe years to see the results of these processes.   If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to advise you.