The Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership is a coalition of organizations and individuals who strive to create a caring and equitable community that is welcoming of immigrants. We believe that the current situation involving refugees should be of utmost importance to people in Guelph and Wellington County. Through the generosity of our neighbours, Guelph and Wellington is poised to welcome as many as fifty refugee families through private sponsorship.
The GWLIP does not subscribe to the belief that refugees are a security concern as there is no evidence of any links between refugees and Canadian security. Further, recent events in Paris and elsewhere do not require any change in Canada’s approach to Syrian refugees, since ensuring a thorough security check has always been a mandatory part of the plan.
The GWLIP asserts that, in fact, refugees bring a tremendous amount of benefit to the community in terms of experience, skills, and passion, and are part of this region’s long and rich history. Because of decades of supporting refugees in the community, there are some helpful services for refugees already in place. We offer our support to connect and convene those working on refugee issues, along with other leaders in the community, to ensure that our communities are ready to support and welcome refugees with open arms.
Imagine having to leave your home for fear of your family’s safety, living in refugee camps, and making a perilous journey across the ocean to a new community. Now imagine this community is Guelph and Wellington County. What a beautiful final destination to start a new life. Together, let us make sure that all refugees get the best start possible.
Guelph Wellington Local Immigration Partnership”
Alex Goss
