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Originally Posted by undercoverbrother
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I would like to know if there is a "cost" undertaking. I poked around the internet but couldn't find a source for you claim. I am also wondering, if it did cost "a billion dollars" what is the estimated monetary contribution to this country by those people(s).
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Obviously, there is a cost undertaking. However; the answer to "how much does it really cost?" question has been evaded by both conservative and liberal governments for decades. In the early 90's, I recall a really angry editorial opinion piece in either Globe or National Post questioning the economic benefits of immigration, in general, and refugee acceptance, in particular. The writer was mainly concerned about how closely this information is guarded for the general public to make an informed opinion on the matter.
Nothing changed since. There is likely some degree of difficulty in estimating this amount but it is not impossible to do it based on known costs incurred to support of the refugees, say, in the past 20 years. The key difference between legal immigrants' and refugees' support systems in Canada is that refugees and their families are entitled to and receive welfare support services throughout a very long time (could be a lifetime, but I am not 100% sure ). They do receive welfare benefits that include, for example, dental and prescription eyeglasses, training and education assistance, daycare etc. They also receive direct financial assistance. Sponsored immigrants receive none of that. Calculating and publishing the amount of benefits received by an average refugee should not be such a big deal. Yet, it's been kept a secret.