OTTAWA — The federal Liberal government said Thursday that it will exempt Syrian refugees from a rule that can burden impoverished newcomers with loans of up to $10,000 upon arrival.

Critics say the government should expand that privilege to all asylum-seekers so they’re not forced to pay for the cost of their own flight to freedom.

A statement from Citizenship and Immigration Canada said many fleeing Syrian refugees have “lost everything” and will lack financial resources “for some time” after arriving in Canada.

“Given the extreme and unprecedented hardships faced by this community, Canada is upholding its humanitarian tradition by offering help and protection to those most in need,” the statement said. “This includes waiving the issuance and repayment of immigration loans … and covering the cost of immigration medical examinations and transportation loans.”

Refugee aid groups were informed by federal officials on Wednesday that the 25,000 Syrian refugees slated to enter Canada by the end of February won’t be charged for their flights and medical exams.

They are normally required to cover those costs under a cost-recovery policy in place since 1951.

Two B.C. opposition MPs and refugee advocacy groups endorsed the decision. But they said the Liberals should recognize the charge is an unfair burden for all people fleeing persecution.

“The principle of fairness should apply,” said New Democrat Jenny Kwan, the MP for Vancouver East.

Refugees typically receive income support at the level of provincial welfare rates, she said, making the loan a huge burden.

Conservative MP Dianne Watts, who as Surrey mayor unsuccessfully lobbied the Harper government to waive the charge, also said it didn’t go far enough.

“I think it’s a bigger issue than just one group of people,” Watts, who was speaking as an individual MP and not for the Tory caucus, said in an interview. “I’m glad to hear they’re not going to be charged the transportation loan. That’s a move in right direction, but that policy needs to apply to all refugees.”

Watts said in a 2011 interview while she was mayor that refugee families in Surrey were already facing enormous stress finding housing, employment, and in many cases language-training and psychological counselling.

The added burden of a hefty loan adds to family stress that often results in teenagers in those families becoming ideal recruiting targets for gang leaders, said Watts, who represents South Surrey-White Rock in Parliament.

However, Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel said the caucus supports the loan and repayment program. She pointed out that there’s a 91-per-cent repayment rate, and that there are flexible arrangements for refugees having trouble making payments.

“It’s been a successful program.”

She added that she’s reserving judgment on McCallum’s decision on not charging the 25,000 Syrian refugees until she sees more details.

The Canadian Council for Refugees issued a statement that echoed the views of Kwan and Watts.

“The transportation loan debt is a major burden for resettled refugees, causing many of them immense hardship and impeding their ability to successfully integrate in Canada,” said spokeswoman Janet Dench.

She said refugees will also be more productive contributors to the economy if they aren’t preoccupied with debt repayment immediately after arrival.

“We hope that this decision will be a step toward reviewing the transportation loan for all refugees.”

Chris Friesen, speaking for the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., said a program designed to reflect Canada’s humanitarian values shouldn’t be charging any refugees feeling persecution.

“This nail should be put in the coffin of this program for every refugee coming into this country.”

The government’s Immigration Loans Program provides up to $110 million a year, and has a 91-per-cent payback rate.

Refugees can take up to six years to pay, depending on the loan amount, and the interest rate this year was 1.38 per cent. In some instances loans are interest-free for one to three years.



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