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However, Wall warned of dire consequences if the security screening of refugees fell short.

“If even a small number of individuals who wish to do harm to our country are able to enter Canada as a result of a rushed refugee resettlement process, the results could be devastating.

“The recent attacks in Paris are a grim reminder of the death and destruction even a small number of malevolent individuals can inflict upon a peaceful country and its citizens. Surely, we do not want to be date-driven or numbers-driven in an endeavour that may affect the safety of our citizens and the security of our country.”

Wall’s words were harsher than those of others, but B.C. Premier Christy Clark also emphasized Monday that the federal government’s first job is to ensure Canadians’ security.

“They need to make sure that their processes are working, that those security checks are being done properly and then, as they can, invite those refugees to come,” Clark said.

Quebec’s immigration minister also expressed concern. “I’m going to be frank, I don’t think it’s possible by the end of the year,” Kathleen Weil said. “I think that people realize it’ll take the time it’ll take, but we are determined to do it well.”

Trudeau, speaking at the end of the G20 summit in Turkey, said his first priority was safety.

“Our commitment to bringing over 25,000 refugees in no way weakened our resolve to ensure first and foremost that Canadians are safe. And security remains a primary concern for the government of Canada, particularly at this time, post-Paris attacks, which have caused a lot of people concern.”