Syrian refugees can count on help from City of Charlottetown: mayor

Mayor Clifford Lee doesn't expectCharlottetownwill play a lead role in Syrian refugee resettlement on the Island, but he does expect some city services will be involved.

Lee doesn't know how many refugees will come to Charlottetown, but said he isanxious to hear details ofhow the federal government plans to bring 25 thousand refugees to Canada by New Year's Day.

Lee said he plans to speak with provincial government officials and community groups directly involved, to see how the city can help, andthinks the refugees will primarily needservices likerecreation, transit and police.

"I think people coming into our community need to understand the role of police agencies here in Canada as opposed to what they might be used to say in Syria or other countries," said Lee.

"We need to look at our recreational programing. Simply put, I think we need to recognize the different cultures and activities that people from other parts of the world may be involved in and what they'd like to see in their new home."

Lee saidonce the refugees arrive, the city will have to let them know about all the services and resources available to them.

He notedthe sooner the province is informed of the expectations for P.E.I. and Charlottetown, the better.