DAVID TILSON TABLES PETITION ON SYRIAN REFUGEES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

Ottawa, ON – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, today tabled a petition in the House of Commons calling on the government to hold an emergency debate on their Syrian refugee resettlement plans.

“Following the election, many constituents contacted me expressing concern over the government’s plan to resettle 25,000 refugees in Canada by December 31, 2015,” said Mr. Tilson. “Many felt that goal was too ambitious and didn’t take into account the need to properly screen potential refugees destined for Canada.”

The petition, signed by residents of Dufferin-Caledon, calls upon the government to hold an emergency debate on the matter, followed by a binding vote. The petition notes that while Canadians are an open and tolerant society, it is also incumbent upon the government to take into account the legitimate security concerns raised by a number of experts in the field.

“I am pleased to be able to table this petition at the earliest possible opportunity in this new Parliament,” said Mr. Tilson. “This remains a major issue for many Canadians so this is very timely for residents of Dufferin-Caledon.”