The Syrian refugee crisis started nearly five years ago and shows no signs of slowing, even as thousands of people flee the brutal violence.
Last week, the picture of a young boy who drowned while his family attempted the crossing to Greece sparked worldwide outrage and also left many Maritimers wondering what they could do to help.
The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia says they have been inundated with calls from people who want to help.
“We've had an amazing response from Nova Scotians, an incredible groundswell of support,” says Evelyn Jones, a refugee sponsorship coordinator.
Jones says she is happy with the attention the Syrian refugee crisis is finally attracting in Canada. Since the photo made headlines around the world, the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia has been answering a lot of questions about refugee sponsorship.
“Private sponsorship is a way that we can respond to the things that we are seeing happening outside of our country, but it is one very practical way to support an individual who has had to flee their home,” says Jones.
Sponsoring refugees isn't as simple as filling out some paperwork. The process can take several years, and requires a monetary commitment: it costs $26,000 to sponsor a Syrian family of four. The cost can be reduced through in-kind donations and fundraising.
“Once the family comes, they are responsible for them for one year, to help them you know register in school and make their way around the town or city that they arrive in,” says Jones.
Individuals can also make donations to groups who are sponsoring refugees.
Jones says, at this point, donating or sponsoring refugees through organizations like ISANS is the best way for Maritimers to make an impact.
The provincial governments in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have said they're willing to take in more refugees. However, it will be up to the federal government to bring them into the country.
“There's almost nothing the provincial government can do other than what it's already done,” says immigration lawyer Elizabeth Wozniak.
Wozniak says she's not impressed with Canada's response to, what some are calling, the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.
“I think the federal government needs to look at what it's done in the past and deal with this crisis on that level,” says Wozniak.
For now, the federal government says it has no intention of flying overseas to retrieve Syrian refugees, like it did in Kosovo in the 90s.
“I think the best thing people can do is express their frustration in what's happening right now and express their willingness and a welcoming attitude,” says Wozniak.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Sarah Ritchie
