June 22, 1999
(Executive Council)

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister welcomes
Kosovar refugees to St. John's

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel welcomed the first two families of refugees from Kosovo at the St. John's International Airport today. Fourteen individuals arrived from Halifax this morning, the first group of approximately 100 refugees who will settle in St. John's as part of Canada's efforts to assist the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Minister Noel stated: "We welcome these families from Kosovo to our province and to our capital city, and hope they enjoy living here. After all they've gone through, I hope they find some comfort now that they will be remaining in St. John's for the foreseeable future."

Minister Noel also thanked the volunteers who are assisting the refugees settle: "These volunteer sponsoring groups are dedicating a lot of time and energy to ensure the needs of the refugees are looked after. In particular, I want to thank the Association for New Canadians and the Refugee Immigrant Advisory Council for coming together to support this worthy objective."

Several government departments have been actively assisting Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the provincial coordinator, Marlene Power, in ensuring all necessary arrangements have been made for the refugees' arrival. The remainder of the refugees are expected to arrive in St. John's in the next couple of days. The federal government, consistent with the national refugee resettlement program, has requested that Newfoundland and Labrador accept approximately 100 refugees. Financial costs associated with their settlement, including housing, income support, basic start-up costs, transportation, and medical costs will be covered by the federal government for a period of up to 24 months.

Minister Noel added: "Canadians, continuing our tradition of humanitarian assistance, are opening our doors to these people in their time of great need. I know the people of our province will generously and enthusiastically share responsibility for easing the burdens of these refugees.

"We urge people to seriously consider assisting in this effort. Further information may be obtained by calling the Kosovo Hotline at 1-888-410-0009, or the coordinator for our province, Ms. Marlene Power, at (709) 754-4122."

Media contact: Ron Fitzpatrick, Communications, (709) 729-2077, or Albert Pelley, Canadian Red Cross, (709) 758-8403 or (709) 687-3477.

1999 06 22         4:15 p.m.