Kathleen Weil said the mainly French-speaking province aims to take in an additional 2,450 refugees on top of the already foreseen 1,200 in a move she said reflects demands by local Quebecois who want to do more in support of those in need.
Several provincial governments and the mayors of Toronto and Montreal among others had called on the federal government last week to do much more to allay the plight of hundreds of thousands of desperate people flooding into Europe from bloody conflicts in Syria, Iraq and beyond.
"To the 1,200 admissions already planned, are added a goal of 2,450 for a total of 3,650 this year," she added.
The plan foresees that two-thirds of the refugees would be welcomed via private sponsorship -- often involving humanitarian aid groups or religious organizations -- and a third through a government program.
"These extraordinary measures that we are proposing come in response to demands by Quebecois who want to do more to support the Syrian refugees," Weil said.
The European migrant crisis is currently at the front and center of Canada's election campaign ahead of voting on October 19.
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app