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The settlement process is far from over for 2,090 Syrian refugees who settled in Edmonton after Canada committed to rapid resettlement efforts in November 2015.

A report to be presented at a community and public services committee meeting at city hall on Monday gives an update on the challenges still faced by Syrian refugees forging a new life in Edmonton.

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Mohamed Huque, executive director of the Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA), said Thursday the expectation that a refugee can become a fully engaged member of society within a year of arriving simply isn’t realistic.

“It’s expected by some people that after that first year that they are going to be self sufficient, that’s absolutely not practical in any way,” said Huque. “Most settlement agencies will tell you that the settlement process really should last three to five years from the point of entry to the point where they are able to be full functioning, contributing members of society.”