While Canadians remain divided over whether or not to accept Syrian refugees, due to concerns over security issues and how to house, feed and care for the 25,000 refugees the Liberals have pledged to accept, perhaps there is an approach that can be looked at.
During the previous two world wars, the government enlisted ocean Liners, like the Queen Mary, to transport tens of thousands of troops overseas and back. Could we not use adopt this strategy to benefit the refugees?
Various ocean liners have the capacity to house, feed and care for 5,000 to 8,000 passengers each. The refugees could be transported to a safe off-shore location and their security clearances obtained while they were quarantined aboard the ship.
Once the situation is safe for them to return to their homes, those that choose to do so could then return, those with security clearance that choose to immigrate would then be allowed to.
In the meantime, being safely lodged on board they are not a threat to any nation nor would they be victimized by those who would do them harm. They wouldn't be taking up social housing spaces or other facilities, such as food banks or hospital beds that our own citizens may require.
While perhaps not a perfect solution, it is certainly preferable than their current one and would perhaps ease the fears of concerned citizens and their governments trying to protect them.
Bill Thompson, Prince George
