Item - 2015.EX8.39

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council approve the proposed activities of the City of Toronto Syrian refugee resettlement program outlined under the following categories in this report :

Mobilization and Preparedness

1. Inter-Divisional Team

2. Inter-Agency Task Force

3. Anti-rumours Campaign

4. Continued Support to Lifeline Syria, including exploration of an Assurance

Fund

Post-Arrival Supports

5. Settlement Supports through City Divisions

6. Settlement Services in City Facilities

7. Online Sector Supports

8. Continued Coordination through the Inter-divisional Team and Inter-agency

Task Force

9. Ongoing Support to Lifeline Syria and other Community Agencies

10. Inter-governmental Coordination

2.  City Council approve a one-time allocation of $0.600 million from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve (XQ0703) to fund the settlement program.

3.  City Council approve the addition of one temporary staff complement and an increase of $0.025 million gross and zero net to the 2015 Approved Operating Budget and include the remainder of $0.575 million gross and zero net in the 2016 Operating Budget Submission for Social Development and Finance Administration (SDFA).
 
4.  City Council request that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) provide the funding required to support the successful resettlement of Syrian refugees in Toronto.

5.  City Council direct the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to report back to the City Council on the progress of the implementation of the program expansion in January 2016.

6.  City Council convey to the Government of Canada the need to continue and, if necessary, enlarge the military and non-military support needed to assist in resolving the conflict in the Middle East along with many of our partner countries currently participating in the coalition.

For years we have witnessed the growing Syrian refugee crisis unfold.  This crisis is not simply a Syrian or European issue, it is a humanitarian issue that requires all of us to open our homes and borders. 

The photos and stories of the tragic events over the last few days have indeed shaken us all to our core.  The tragedy is simply hard to comprehend.  Our country and city has a history of opening our borders and homes as global citizens during times of crisis.  It is now time for us to do so again.

The City of Toronto has a history of responding to refugee crises when they arise.  After the 2004 Tsunami that devastated nations around the Indian Ocean, our City responded and created a program to directly support refugees connected to the disaster.  Like we have in the past, in times like these, we must act.

Whether it is providing enhanced logistical support to NGO efforts to assist Syrian refugees, increased support for private sponsorships, or greater coordination of City programs (housing support, income assistance, employment supports, and others), we must come together and do all we can to assist during this crisis.

As of early September 2015, more than four million Syrians have fled their country due to the ongoing conflict in the region. With no prospect of returning home in the near future, and limited opportunity to rebuild their lives in their current conditions, tens of thousands of Syrian and other refugees have recently continued with their flight in attempt to reach the safety and stability of Western Europe. In doing so, they often put themselves in life-threatening situations, while overwhelming the refugee-reception capacity of receiving countries and other countries along the way. With the winter approaching, world leaders are struggling to find solutions to this growing humanitarian crisis.

This report responds to Councillor Cressy's request for investigation into options for a City of Toronto Syrian refugee resettlement program, and outlines a number of immediate and longer-term measures for the City to take.