Montreal's private sector pitches in to help Syrian refugees

Montreal's private sector is pitching in to help welcome Syrian refugees to the city.

The Foundation of Greater Montreal announced Wednesday it is donating$750,000 to help organizations that deal with Syrian refugees in the region.

Some of themoney comes from corporate donors such asCN Rail, General Motors andManulife. The fund will be administered by the Red Cross.

Immigration Minister JohnMcCallumand Mayor Denis Coderrewere on hand for the announcementat the St. James the Apostle Church in downtown Montreal.

McCallumsaid efforts from the private sector would help address two major changes facing refugees: housing and employment.

"Good progress is being made,"he said, adding that69 per cent of Syrian refugees across the countryhave been housed compared with 52 per cent a few weeks ago.

"When you have huge numbers of refugees coming in...you never solve the problem overnight. But I think the speed at which housing is being addressed augurs well."

Representatives from non-profits and the city's business community werealso present for the announcement.

Between January 1, 2015and March 13, 2016, Montreal, Laval and Longueuil have accepted 4,411 of the 5,326 Syrian refugees to arrivein Quebec.

Ninety-five per cent of the refugees accepted in the Greater Montreal have come through private sponsorships. In the rest of Canada, 80 pre cent are state sponsored.