Public forum to aid Syrian resettlement efforts

Ottawa residents can explore opportunities to play a role in the sponsorship and resettlement of Syrian refugees. The Mayor’s Public Forum on the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Efforts will bring together residents and community groups with subject-matter experts who will provide the knowledge and contacts to make their involvement possible. ** Date ** : Thursday, October 1 ** Location ** : Jean Pigott Place Ottawa City Hall 110 Laurier Avenue West ** Information fair: 5 to 7:30 p.m. ** Community organizations involved with the sponsorship and settlement of refugees will be available to provide information and answer questions about the services they provide. ** Panel presentations: 5:30 to 7 p.m. ** Experts in refugee resettlement and representatives from frontline organizations serving refugees will give short presentations about how residents and community groups can assist in resettlement efforts. This will be followed by a question-and-answer session. ** Legal clinic: 7 to 9 p.m. ** Offered by lawyers from the University of Ottawa’s Refugee Sponsorship Support Program and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, this legal clinic will provide assistance to residents wishing to sponsor Syrian refugees.

For more information about the forum, please contact 3-1-1 or visit the City’s website, ottawa.ca .