Syrian refugees who arrive in Fort McMurray will receive a warm welcome. While some states in the USA are refusing to accept refugees from this country Fort McMurray s opening their arms wide. Local organizations in the area have been working tirelessly to gather the necessary resources and information in order to help those who arrive in the near future. There were 5 major Alberta cities chosen to receive Syrian refugees sponsored by the government and Fort McMurray was not one of the cities listed. The oilsands community will be accepting Syrian refugees who are privately sponsored by charitable and relief organizations instead. According to Jennifer Best, the Wood Buffalo YMCA senior director of community programs and housing initiatives, “At this point we know of a number of individuals and religious institutions that are providing private sponsorship.”

Right now there is no way to determine how many Syrian refugees Fort McMurray could receive in the coming months. In addition to refugees who arrive in the local area as their primary destination there are also secondary migration concerns as well. Before the war Syria had a very prosperous industry for oil and gas, and this means that some of the refugees who arrive in other areas of Alberta may eventually come to Fort McMurray. Best explained “We anticipate that there will be a number of skilled individuals coming to Alberta to access the oil and gas industry because that’s what they know.” The first arrivals are not expected until at least springtime though. According to Best certain steps must be taken before the refugees can come to Alberta “They need to get bank accounts, they need to get health care, they need to get a social insurance number.” Do you believe the Syrian refugees should be welcomed with open arms? Why or why not?