GNWT Funding Community Groups Sponsoring Syrian Refugees

News Releases

YELLOWKNIFE (June 16, 2016) – The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce funding has been made available for  use by community groups who are sponsoring Syrian refugee families relocating to the Northwest Territories (NWT).

Through ongoing efforts to support and assist community groups in welcoming Syrian families to the NWT, the GNWT has committed $90,000 to assist sponsoring groups. Each group has the opportunity to apply for funding of up to $15,000 before the end of September 2016.

Quotes

“The GNWT is pleased to offer this funding to the dedicated community groups working to assist the families that have experienced trauma and upheaval from the war in Syria. Along with our provincial and territorial colleagues, we have responded to the federal government’s call to assist with the resettlement of Syrian refugees across Canada, and we are proud to help provide safety and stability for people with critical needs. One of the goals for the 18th Legislative Assembly supports healthy, resilient northerners and we hope that the partnership of the GNWT working with community groups will ultimately contribute to a stable and welcoming environment for the refugees coming to the NWT.”
- Alfred Moses, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment

Quick Facts

  • According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), an estimated 12 million Syrians have fled their homes since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in March 2011.
  • As of February 29, 2016, the Federal Government has welcomed and settled 25,000 Syrian Refugees to Canada and has committed to settle an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees by December 31, 2016.
  • Community groups from across Canada have sponsored approximately 10,000 Syrian refugees (included in the initial 25,000 in February 2016).
  • The one-time GNWT funding aligns with the Federal Government’s call to action and other jurisdictions’ commitments to resettle 35,000 Syrian refugees in communities across Canada.
  • Currently, there are five community based groups working to sponsor and support Syrian refugees to the NWT.

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Media contact

Jacqueline McKinnon
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel:  (867) 767-9352 x 71073
E-mail:  jacqueline_mckinnon@gov.nt.ca