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“It didn’t take the tragedy in Paris for us to suddenly realize that security’s important,” Trudeau said. “We’ve known for a long time, and we continue to be very much committed to keeping Canadians safe while we do the right thing to engage responsibly on this humanitarian crisis.”

While Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall called for a suspension of the Liberal plan, worried that terrorists might sneak into the country, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley disagreed, emphasizing this province could take 2,500 to 3,000 Syrian refugees.

New security concerns are being raised around accepting refugees after terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday killed 129 people and injured another 350 at several locations including bars, restaurants, a concert hall and the national stadium.

European officials have only confirmed that suspects identified so far are French and Belgium nationals, and Morgan stressed that those who are critical of helping refugees need to seek out better information.

“I understand that in the absence of facts and knowledge, fear can displace common sense. Fear can be a mighty motivator,” he said.

“But I’m confident that once these people get more information and facts, the fear will be displaced.”

Morgan said while he waits for word back from federal immigration on the offer he made about a week ago, he spoke with newly elected Calgary Liberal MP Kent Hehr about the idea.

Hehr, who is Minister of Veterans Affairs and does not deal directly with immigration, said he is confident the federal government is looking closely at the Enerjet offer.

“We’re assessing all our options to get Syrian refugees into Canada, and speed up getting people here safely.

“It is our obligation as Canadians to help out. And it’s a great thing that a Calgary company has stepped up like this.”

eferguson@calgaryherald.com

(With files from the Ottawa Citizen)