Madam Chair, I think it's important to remember that the refugee assistance program provides a number of different supports for refugees as they arrive in Canada. For government-assisted refugees, it also provides income support for that first year, some settlement services, and housing. There are 23 refugee centres across the country that welcome refugees, provide them with an immediate place to stay, and help them integrate into society. There are small loans provided to refugees to cover the cost of travel to Canada. They are repayable loans over a specific period of time. The other parts of the refugee assistance program, such as the income and housing support that's offered for that first year, are not repayable. It's part of the refugee assistance program.
On February 19th, 2015. See this statement in context.