Issue: Should Canada accept the destitute refugees from war-torn

parts of the world that are heading to Canadas Atlantic and Pacific
Coasts?

Background: The news that eight ships of destitute refugees that are
heading to Canada have led to divided public opinion. Some groups
want Canada to continue to embrace refugees as in the past while
others are calling for a strong stand against refugees because of the
increasing unemployment rate.

Option 1: Canada should not accept any more refugees at this point.

Pros:
1. No increase in cost to assimilate refugees into the Canadian society.
2. Protect Canadians from threats of violence as it may not be clear
upfront who Canada is accepting to its country.
Cons:
1. This will not put Canada in a good humanitarian perspective by not
protecting people who are terrorized.
2. Canada being a multicultural country may create an image of
prejudice thereby creating a false representation of what Canada is.

Option 2: Allow a quota to enter Canada by finding private sponsors

Pros:
1. Financial and other costs will not be as high if a quota is allowed
2. Canada will maintain a degree of care and tolerance on
humanitarian grounds
Cons:
1. There will be disgruntle among public who oppose the acceptance of
refugees
2. Additional cost to Canadian government to make provisions for
accepted refugees

Option 3: Canada should accept the refugees to enter Canada

Pros:
1. Canada will demonstrate that it cares about global safety
2. Provide a safe environment for people living in terror and violent
conditions.
Cons:
1. Canada may be accepting people who may be a threat to the
countrys security such as terrorist attacks.
2. Increase costs to assimilate refugees into the Canadian society.
Recommendation: Canada should allow a quota of refugees into the
country.
Rationale: This will demonstrate that Canada is compassionate on
humanitarian grounds. Refugees may eventually contribute to the
countrys progress to offset costs. The cost of people living in terror is
higher than the cost of providing a safe place to live.