Statement issued on September 4, 2015:
OTTAWA - Canada's big city mayors are mobilizing support to address the continuing humanitarian crisis facing Syria, says the Chair of Canada's Big City Mayors Caucus and Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson.
"Cities play a critical role in refugee settlement and collectively, all governments must work together to take action," says Mayor Robertson. "In the face of the current humanitarian crisis in Syria, Canadian cities are ready to address this crisis."
Mayors are also working to mobilize public support, urging all citizens to help and donate to local organizations working to assist and provide humanitarian help.
"This is who we are as Canadians, and as the Mayor of Canada's most multicultural city, I believe we should mobilize to sponsor Syrian refugees," said Toronto Mayor John Tory who today issued a call for support for Toronto-based organization Lifeline Syria.
"Ottawa has a proud history of opening our doors to the most vulnerable during a humanitarian crisis, and we remain committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to assist with the settlement of those affected," said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.
"Right now, we need to do more as a country. Most refugees will end up in our cities, and Montréal is ready to welcome them. As former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration I am ready to lend my expertise to help during this crisis. Where there is a will, there is a way," said Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre.