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Notley said the province is still in discussion with the federal government about how many refugees could come to Alberta, but she said the province is “more than capable” of settling thousands effectively. She expressed condolences and sympathy to the 129 people killed and hundreds more critically injured by terrorists in Paris last week, as well as the 40 people killed in bomb attacks in Beirut, Lebanon.

“These people have been fleeing this kind of terror for months and months and months and I think we need to move forward on the basis of humanity, not on the basis of fear,” she said. “When I saw what happened in Paris, what happened in Beirut, I thought about the families, I thought about the victims. I thought about their kids and as I’ve said, the world is a small place and we need to be able to reach out to each other where we can.”

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said Canada should not be rushed to meet refugee quotas and deadlines, but continue to be a world leader in immigration policy and helping those in need.

“The fair share that we need to do means that we have to take care of those people that can’t take care of themselves in the international community,” Jean said. “We need to make sure that we’re vigilant here in Alberta, here in Canada for the safety and security of Canadians. That is our primary purpose, but we need to do our part in the world.”

Jean said 2,500 to 3,000 refugees represents about 10 per cent of Canada’s goal and reflects Alberta’s population.

jsinnema@edmontonjournal.com

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