The Vietnam War was long and painful, resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians, and the displacement of around 800,000 refugees. Back in the ‘70s, Canada resettled over 100,000 refugees.
Fast forward to today. The Syrian Civil War has generated the largest refugee crisis in decades. In 2012, there were 100,000 refugees. By April 2013, there were 800,000. Since the Arab Spring in 2011, over four million people have fled Syria in hopes of finding a better life elsewhere, and this number is rising. So why isn’t Canada pulling through the way they did during the Vietnam War?
Carleton University president Roseann Runte recently released a statement saying the university will be seeking ways to offer “volunteer support.” She said Carleton should use its network of academics already studying refugee and migration issues to “play a role in furthering research, reflection, academic, and public debate.” She also suggested students send monetary donations to The World University Service of Canada (WUSC), an organization that helps refugees. So far, $6,735 has been raised of the $12,500 goal.
The initiative is a noteworthy effort, but realistically, futile. Students don’t have extra money to donate to charity, even if it is to a cause as important as this one. The cost of resettlement for one refugee is about $20,000, far more than WUSC’s goal of $12,500.
The initiative needs to be led at the federal level. The federal government has pledged their commitment to humanitarian assistance, but has essentially failed to participate in the resettlement effort in any notable way.
Chris Alexander, minister of citizenship and immigration, has promised the resettlement of 10,000 Syrians by the end of 2017, and Stephen Harper vowed to add a further 10,000 more over the next four years. Thomas Mulcair and Justin Trudeau have promised even more. The NDP says the government should bring in 46,000 government-sponsored refugees, while the Liberals say 25,000 should be welcome to Canada.
Election promises are one thing, but this is a non-partisan issue that shouldn’t be used as a leveraging tool for voters. As more European countries are closing their borders, the refugee crisis is only getting worse and worse. Canada is a rich country with a lot of resources to help those that need it. We are known for our welcoming nature and openness to diversity.
Yet in this instance, our country is failing to assume what I think is our share of responsibility. The war is not likely to end anytime soon, and the flow of refugees is only increasing. These refugees are people with aspirations and goals. They are students, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. Their lives are just as valuable as yours and mine, and they would thrive in a country like Canada.
This issue needs to be addressed directly with actions, not just words in the form of election speeches and empty promises. It’s time for Canada as a country to step up to the plate.
