Syrian family's long wait for Canadian status not over

As thecrisis in Syria deepens andtragedies mount, Canada's refugee policies and processesare coming under fire.

HishamWattarhasbeen working with Steve Moore and theCanyon Heights Churchto get hisfamily into Canada from Egyptfor the past twoyears and yet says it will take several more years to get them into the country.

"We did receive a letter in August informing us that within 42 months they'll be coming to Canada...it was quite discouraging to hear," said Steve Moore, the pastor of Canyon Heights.

Wattar's sister, his two nieces and two of his niece'schildren, fled Syria in 2012 and have been living in Cairo eversince.

The church was told they couldsponsor the familyunder thesponsorship agreementholder programback in June.

Thismeansthey have been pre-approved to work directly with the government, but Moore says that hasn't made a difference.

Aside from supporting the entire family, the church and Wattar are financially sponsoring the family, for a total cost of$48,000.

"There is no cost for the federal government at all," Wattar said.

They say that theyhave taken all the necessary steps, including paperwork, background checks, and assurances that the family will have aid in securing schooling, work, and doctor's appointments.

"We are playing with all the governmentregulations and rules that they told us to do and yet, where is the government facilitating?" saidWattar.

Although everything seems to be in order, they have not received any explanation as to why it will take so long.

Wattar approached AndrewSaxton,his local MP in North Vancouver,to ask him to bring the situation to the attention of Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, but hasn'treceived much of aresponse.

"There is no other explanation other than 'we are working on it,'" Wattarsaid.

The family is stuck in Cairo. They can't work and the children are struggling integrating into the school system.

His youngest nieceis 27. Wattar says sheis so frustrated with her current status she has considered fleeingEgypt as so many others have.

Her family has convinced her to stay, but Wattar says that it is hard to explain to his family that although their application is approved, they must wait another threeyears.

To hear the full interview, click: B.C. man trying to sponsor Syrian relativesas refugees