HALIFAX — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan is defending the Liberal government's plan to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees by the new year.
Speaking at the opening press conference of the Halifax International Security Forum, Sajjan says many of the refugees will bring skills to Canada that will ultimately benefit the country.
He says the government will be mindful of the recent attacks in Paris and Beirut when screening applicants, and also acknowledged the hospitality and compassion of Canadians who have offered up their homes to refugees.
A government document obtained by The Canadian Press pegs the cost of the resettlement plan at $1.2 billion over the next six years.
The report says $876.7 million would be needed in 2015-2016 alone.
