Refugees In Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wants To Modernize Immigration System To Help Syrians

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seeking to modernize the system that helps refugees in Canada to make the process more efficient for government and less frustrating for families. Trudeau said during a meeting with a group of Syrian refugees and their sponsors Friday that he’d experienced frustrations from the inefficient system since his time as a member of parliament and that “significant improvements in the immigration system” were needed.

"Because of this level of frustration that I've seen as an MP and because families live with, one of the things that we've committed to is actually properly resourcing our immigration system," said Trudeau. "Looking at how we can be much more computer-based so that you can see real-time updates and we don't have to hire someone to answer you and we can use modern technology."

Piali Roy, a sponsor of six refugees, told Trudeau during the meeting that she’d experienced significant difficulty while trying to get information about a family member who had been left behind in Beirut.

"So we have to go through our MP's office to be able to get updates, and that's been one of the frustrating parts of this process and we don't understand why the file doesn't get updated on the computer system, for example," said Roy.

Trudeau suggested designating specific staff members to answer questions from refugees and sponsors and process important files. He also said that while he is focused on creating a more efficient system for the refugees, he wants to ensure Canadians that the process by which national security is maintained is thorough.

Trudeau leads Canada's Liberal Party, which has maintained a welcoming stance toward refugees. Canada has taken in almost 31,000 refugees since 2015. The party's website states that it will expand the nation's intake of refugees by 25,000 through government and private sponsorship. At a United Nations conference in September, Trudeau announced that he would spend an additional $64.5 million over the next several years to support refugees and help others affected by crises.