Quebec mayors prepare for arrival of Syrian refugees

A group of Quebec mayors took part in an emergency phone conference Wednesday to talk about the challenges of accepting Syrian refugees.

• Quebec immigration minister tells mayors to watch their tone on refugees
• Rgis Labeaume says Syrian orphans preferable to 'frustrated' young men
• Syrian refugees: Quebec describes federal timeline as 'unrealistic'
• MAP |These are the cities in Quebec that could take in refugees

The mayors, including the mayors of Montreal and Laval,have alsoformed a committeeto help organize efforts to welcome Syrian refugees to the province.

Quebec has already committed to bringing in 3,600 refugees, a number that could jump to 5,700 when the federal government eventually releases its plan.

Thirteen municipalities are expected to welcome the refugees in the coming months.

However, the group agreed that there needs to be better communication between all levels of government in order to successfully bring over Syrian refugees.

"We have to be sure that we are ready," said LongueuilMayor Caroline St-Hilaire.

Near Quebec City, CFB Valcartier is preparing to accept Syrian refugees as part of the city's plan to accept 200 families.

The military basehas notified several military personnelto leave their housing units to make room for the new arrivals.

Watch your tone, Weil says

Quebec has already committed to bringing in 3,600 refugees, a number that could jump to 5,700 when the federal government eventually releases its plan.

• Syrian refugees: How Quebecers can help newcomers

Earlier this week,QuebecImmigration MinisterKathleenWeil urgedmayors who have concerns about incoming Syrian refugees to pay attention to the tone of their comments.

She was reacting to comments made by Quebec City's mayor, Rgis Labeaume, who said hewould prefer to welcome families and orphans because they are "less frightening to people than frustrated 20-year-old men."