Lifeline Syria-Cape Breton told first refugees could arrive this month

A Cape Breton group dedicated to helping refugees from Syria says it has learned that the first asylum seekers to be assigned to sponsors on the island could arrive later this month.

Lifeline Syria-Cape Breton was formed a few months ago to find host communities and other volunteers for people fleeing war-torn Syria. 

The group met in Sydney Wednesday with Catherine Blewett, the deputy minister of immigration for the province, who reported on the latest she's heard.

"We're waiting for the federal government to let us know when the first arrivals will come to the province," she told the Cape Breton group.

"We'd like up to 1,500, which is north of 400 families that we think that we're prepared to and able to welcome to Nova Scotia."

Blewett assured the Cape Breton group that some of those families will come to the island. Lifeline Syria-Cape Breton co-chair John Malcom said the group is prepared to welcome at least 10 families right away.

"The first group to come to Canada (will be) the privately sponsored refugees," he said. "We have applications in Cape Breton to support some of those families. The government-assisted refugees probably won't start until the new year."

Malcom said the group's ultimate goal is to host 100 families over the next year. He says a major fundraiser is planned soon to raise money to help support the refugees.

Malcom said as many as 400 volunteers are standing by, waiting for the first planeload of newcomers to arrive.