Yukon government to assist 2 Syrian refugee families

The Yukon government has committed to helping two Syrian refugee families when they arrive in the territory. 

Education minister Doug Graham said the territory will match funds raised by sponsor groups up to $18,500 per refugee family.

"If we take two families, on a population basis, on a per capita basis, that would be more than most provinces would take," Graham said.

"Two seemed to me to be sufficient number at this time, but of course if there are other sponsorship groups that come forward it's a possibility that we could take more."

It's not clear whether the Yukon government will provide additional services or money for refugees, beyond matching funds raised by others.

3 groups looking to sponsor refugees

So far, three local groups and organizations have expressed interest in helping refugees relocate to Yukon.

Yukon Cares was the first group to come forward, and it has so far raised more than $34,000 in its effort to sponsor a family of 10 refugees.

The Riverdale Baptist Church is also looking to sponsor a family, though the church's congregation has yet to vote on it. They'll do so this Sunday.

Yukon College is also looking to sponsor a refugee student for a year. The college would offer free tuition, and raise money to cover other expenses. So far, the student union has contributed $5,000.

"We're still in the process of everything," said Gabriel Ellis of Yukon College. "The process of setting up an account to receive the money, the process of making the application and that getting accepted, and also being accepted by immigration."

"There's a lot of hoops to jump through, for sure," he said.