B.C. Muslim Association limited to sponsoring 6 Syrian refugees despite having funds for 100
We have the funds, the manpower to do it, and we have the expertise'
The B.C. Muslim Association is frustrated that it can't sponsor more than six refugees — possibly just one Syrian family — despite having raised enough money to sponsor 100.
"We have the funds, the manpower to do it and we have the expertise," said Shawkat Hasan, the vice-president of the B.C. Muslim Association.
The association raised half a million dollars through fundraising, but last week it found out that because it is the first year that it has signed a sponsorship agreement holder with the government, it is limited in accepting only six privately sponsored refugees.
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Sponsorship agreement holders (SAH) are organizations that have signed an agreement to sponsor refugees themselves or work with others in the community to sponsor refugees. They are responsible for settling and caring for them once they arrive.
Hasan said the association has a proven record that it can take care of refugees because it has previously worked with church groups to sponsor many refugee families from Iraq.
Hands are tied
Hasan — who grew up in a refugee camp — said the organization already has applications from families that are looking to bring their relatives to Canada.
But right now, their hands are tied.
He told CBC host Rick Cluff on The Early Edition, that the association has been told to look for other SAH holders who won't meet their quota and take their space.
"I don't know who would have that. But I have the means to invite people and sponsor them and take care of them here in Canada," he said.
By next year, the association may be able to bring in more refugees, but Hasan fears it will be too late then so he is going to Ottawa in two weeks time to try to resolve the problem.
With files from the CBC's The Early Edition and Samantha Garvey.
To hear the full story listen to the audio labelled: BC Muslim Association told they can only sponsor 6 refugees, but they've money for 100.