Fear of Refugees is Real: What Can Be Done to Alleviate the Fear

Canadians want to help those who are struggling in life.  But there is a desire to protect Canadian society and a fear of the unknown.  Many actions can occur to alleviate some of those fears and prevent a negative discourse:

-allow community members to express their fears, in a respectful manner

-address the fears expressed by community members, with information and action plans

-provide transparent information about the processes required for refugees to settle in Canada

-identify the mechanisms in place to prevent ill-intended people from entering Canada

-balance the negative images of recent events in Europe with recounts of positive refugee settlements in Canada

-have Canadian citizens participate in the decisions related to refugee settlement.  Citizens are more likely to help in refugee settlement if they are a part of the process, rather than feeling like the decision has been imposed upon them.

Contact Cynthia Penner at:

Penner Consulting

or

pennerconsulting@gmail.com