Syrian refugee crisis meeting

In response to numerous requests from those seeking to address the humanitarian crisis among refugees from war in Syria, I'm hosting a public meeting on September 17. The meeting will be at the Hintonburg Community Centre, 1064 Wellington Street West, at 7:30 PM.

Leslie Emory from Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization will be on hand to help residents understand the how-tos of sponsorship. I'm asking residents to come prepared to contribute - financially and with other resources, and by assisting in sponsorship fundraising efforts. We'll have further speakers and experts confirmed in the coming days.

I will post updates as I get them about who we'll have on hand and the agenda over the next few days in this space.

My thanks to Louisa Taylor, journalist and communications consultant, as well as Honourary Co-Chair for Welcoming Ottawa Week, who will be facilitating our discussion.

Update: Jamie Liew, who is becoming familiar to those following the refugee efforts, will be making a presentation on sponsorship and available to answer questions. She is a University of Ottawa Faculty of Law professor and immigration lawyer.