Syrian refugees in Montreal trickling in: Mayor Denis Coderre

The City of Montrealsays it is ramping down the response put in place to welcome Syrian refugeesinstead,setting up along-term office with a mandate to welcomeall new arrivals to Montreal.

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Now those committees and services will be either shut down or folded into the new office.

Montreal Mayor DenisCoderresaid he doesn't think the effort is wasted.

"It's money well spent because Montreal is about diversity, Montrealis about new arrivals. We're all sons or daughters of immigrantsourselves," he said.

Of the $2 million set aside by Montrealto help Syrian refugees, $1 millionwill go towards the long-term office.

Coderre said Dorais, whose appointment originally drew criticism for his salary, has fulfilled his duties and is now moving on to other projects.

"I think to have a former deputy minister of immigration who lived those experiences ....[is]an added value for us," Coderre said.

The exact services that the new office will offer have not yet been determined but Coderre said that about a dozen people will work to help integrate newcomers into Montreal society through assistance in finding housing, jobs or getting access to schooling.