Immigration Affairs Canada ​UNCLASSIFIED

Deputy Minister ​CCM# N12-23768

Ottawa, Canada RDIMS # 8727567
K1A 0Z0 Date: Nov 11, 2017

BRIEFING NOTE FOR THE MINISTER

Subject: ​ yrian Refugee Crisis,

S
How should Canada deal with this issue?

Summary:
● Since President Al-Asaad took power in 2000 after his father died, Syria has suffered
unemployment, corruption, lack of political freedom and oppression over his government.
● Civil war started in 2011, when individuals created anti-regime groups, who use
weapons to promote their cause.
● During that period of time strong powers such as; Iraq, the United States and Russia
have been involved in the war, which worsen the conditions.
● The war continues to happen in the present.

Issue:
Since the conflict started, around 470000 Syrians have been killed. The war has brought
extreme poverty upon them, forcing 24 people a minute to flee their homes everyday. The
countries accepting the most refugees are Lebanon and Turkey. The main issue is that these
countries do not have enough resources to satisfy the need and aid all the individuals seeking
asylum. This eventually will force those countries to turn away refugees, because they do not
have the financial resources to support them. Therefore, millions of Syrians will be forced to go
back to home, where they will most likely to be killed in the attacks.

Background:
● A report made by the UNHCR in March of 2016 said that 1 of 10 Syrian refugees in
Syria’s neighbouring countries, would have to be resettled to relieve pressure on Syria’s
neighbours. They have said that 450000 new places will be needed by the end of 2018,
for resettlement. If this number is not reached by 2018, refugees will have to return back
home and face violence.
● Several NGOs have been working in the area. The Red Cross stated in their last report
that Syria completely depends in humanitarian aid. However, the conflict has been hard
on the organizations who want to help. The government did not authorize Doctors
without Border to provide their services in Syrian territory. Hospitals in the area face
supplies shortages and they have been bombed several times. DWB had to leave the
country in April of 2017, because the conflict became extreme after the chemical attack.
This left the people hopeless and in a state of crisis.

Recommendations:

Canada should continue to be a world leader in humanitarianism like it has always been, by
following our present refugee policy, which is driven by values of compassion and fairness.
 Immigration Affairs Canada ​UNCLASSIFIED
Deputy Minister ​CCM# N12-23768
Ottawa, Canada RDIMS # 8727567
K1A 0Z0 Date: Nov 11, 2017

Therefore, it is Canada’s moral obligation to contribute in this issue. Canada should increase the
number of asylums to 15000 more by the end of 2018. This action will seek to advance the
nation’s social and economic interests, because Canada requires high levels of immigration to
maintain a competitive economy. Otherwise, it will face labour shortages and a smaller tax base.
Also, refugees bring a longer term payoff, because the younger children will most likely go to
postsecondary and have a successful career. Syrian refugees cost Canada around $4000 a
year. In total, it is around 16 billion dollars a year. This may seem like a large amount, but in the
long term it will pay off. Accepting more Syrians refugees will maintain Canada’s reputation on
humanitarianism, as well as boost the economy. In addition, this will increase our
multiculturalism, by opening the doors for a different culture to grow in our soil. Different cultures
interacting together pacifically will create strong bonds in our community.

Canada should also work along with the Red Cross in Syria’s neighbouring countries such as;
Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq. There are four million refugees in those regions and the Red
Cross does not have enough supplies to provide for all of them. Therefore, Canada should
provide financial aid to this organization, as well as supplies such as food, blankets and
medicine.

In regards of the armed conflict in Syria, Canadian Forces should not intervene in the situation.
Intervening in this conflict will bring nothing more than losses and it would create more tension
in the area.

In conclusion, it should be Canada’s goal to help as many Syrian refugees as possible.

Canada’s external participation in the conflict will continue to develop our national identity as a
humanitarian nation.