Refugees can benefit smaller towns, says Ont. Mayor

Canoe.com
Nov. 18, 2015
By Anthony Furey

Welcoming refugees from Syria is a way to address declining municipal populations, one Ontario mayor says.

Councillors in the town of Meaford, pop. 11,000, recently passed a resolution supporting grassroots efforts to settle refugees in their community two hours north of Toronto.

While humanitarian reasons were their primary motivation, Mayor Barb Clumpus sees it as a win-win due to the economic benefits that can come from growing their community.

"Our population is rather static," Clumplus said in a phone interview. "We would be particularly welcoming of new families."

In a letter sent out to other municipalities, Clumpus writes: "This humanitarian opportunity could encourage the permanent settlement here of these refugees, many of whom bring excellent skills, experience and a desire to relocate where their families can thrive in a welcoming, stimulating and safe environment."