Canada has been lauded for its generosity in striving to welcome and resettle some 25,000 Syrian refugees over the coming months, a stark contrast to our neighbours south of the border. However, critics have expressed concern about whether such a large scale resettlement project can be undertaken in a safe and responsible way within such a short timeline.

In response to recent security concerns, Canada has limited the immigration flow to women, children and families and excluded single males – a decision applauded by some and criticized by others as being discriminatory. And, while providing asylum to 25,000 displaced Syrians is a good start, it pales in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of refugees taken in by European countries and Middle East.

Our panel of experts addressed these critical issues regarding the influx of Syrian refugees to Canada and also discussed what this mass diaspora means for Canadians and for future Canadian immigration and refugee policies.

Presented by the Peter A. Allard School of Law, in partnership with alumni UBC