Hundreds gather in Vancouver to call on government to allow more refugees from Syria

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      The north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery is fenced off as a new plaza is being created.

      As a result, hundreds of protesters gathered on the south side of the building today to urge the federal government to allow more refugees from Syria.

      Several speakers at the Vancouver rally condemned the Conservative government for allowing too few people to come to Canada to escape the Syrian civil war.

      Canada has accepted approximately 2,500 refugees from the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

      The Vancouver demonstration came on the same day that Pope Francis announced that two Syrian families will be housed at the Vatican.

      The pontiff also urged monasteries, churches, and parishes to shelter refugees from Syria.

      Pope Francis's pledge came after humanitarian and musician Bob Geldof declared that he will invite four Syrian refugee families to stay in his homes in Kent and London.

      Geldof was music editor of the Georgia Straight when he lived in Vancouver in the mid 1970s.

      Charlie Smith
      Charlie Smith
      Charlie Smith

      Comments

      7 Comments

      Kim

      Sep 7, 2015 at 12:04pm

      We have a big problem looking after the poverty in our society why do we want to increase that problem. It is tragic that this young child should drown in search of freedom. . Why are we even involved in these religious wars that have been going on for centuries.

      How many of those that want more involvement in these war have seen a young Canadian soldier that has stepped on a landmine or been hit by a high explosive bomb. Put your brain into gear and think about it.
      Cheers

      Natty

      Sep 7, 2015 at 3:55pm

      I know it's hard not to react emotionally when faced with images of dead children, but a practical reaction is really needed here. Merkel and other politicians should stick to the rules created to handle such a crisis or they're just encouraging more people to react disorderly. Due process is needed or chaos is the result.

      eagle_joe

      Sep 7, 2015 at 4:20pm

      Cheers, Kim, you said it extremely well! Why should Canada be responsible for paying huge dollars that we can't afford to pay for others countries problems?

      grant

      Sep 7, 2015 at 6:20pm

      Don't forget that refugees will usually take jobs that our homeless won't ,and end up paying taxes and become productive in our society.North Americans have a sense of entitlement that these people just can't believe.

      where were these protests...

      Sep 7, 2015 at 8:40pm

      when Assad gassed children years ago?

      That's because

      Sep 7, 2015 at 11:22pm

      Most of the people demanding tears and recrimination don't have a clue who or what Assad is and don't care.
      They're creating bigger problems for millions of people they'll never see and don't want to hear about.
      They just want everyone to know what great humanitarians they are. The people living like animals in Stanley Park are also of zero interest.

      Charity feeds on victims and always needs new product.

      @Where

      Sep 10, 2015 at 5:19pm

      Where is you proof of Assad's alleged gassing? The MSM?!?!