Canada's Syrian refugee plan 'troubling' if it excludes unaccompanied men

The Halifax Refugee Clinic is critical of the Liberal government's plan to initially limit Syria asylum seekers to Canada to women, children and families as it tries to meet its campaign promise and welcome 25,000 refugees before the end of the year.

"I think that it's very dangerous," said Julie Chamagne, who works at the clinic. "It plays into and validates existing stereotypes about Arab Muslim men being terrorists, being violent, being rapists, being security risks, and not being able to integrate."

CBC News has learned Canada's efforts this year will be limited to women, children and families. Sources tell CBC News that unaccompanied men seeking asylum will not immediately be part of the program due to ongoing concerns around security.

Chamagne said such a plan puts more lives at risk, forcing single men to attempt a dangerous voyage across the Mediterranean to escape violence.

"If we have security checks in place," Chamagne said, "... then security checks that are good enough for families are good enough for these young men. I don't really understand the logic of that. I think it's trying to appease all these xenophobic and Islamaphobic voices."

'Troubling'

The Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia is also speaking out about the plan. Kyle DeYoung, an executive member of the group, called it "very problematic" and "troubling."

DeYoung said the program could hurt his group's ability to sponsor LGBT refugees.

"This could almost, at times, be perceived as a double harassment," DeYoung said. "They're in a really precarious situation in Syria. And then in addition, they're also experiencing harassment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Basim Sobeih, director of the sponsorship group United for One, said he understands the government's hesitation toward unaccompanied men, and applauded the plan on the whole.

"It doesn't matter, it's a great start," he said. "To me, what's more important are the families, the women, the children, that are suffering."

Sobeih said his group is working to bring five large families from Syria to Nova Scotia, and called the government's plan to accept refugees a good starting point.

"I personally always like to look at the glass half full not half empty," said Sobeih. "So, if Canada is willing to get those refugees in here, then you know what, by all means. That's a great start."

Details of the federal refugee plan will be announced Tuesday.