We believe that when the federal government makes a decision to bring in refugees, it needs to be a collaborative experience between not only the province but also the federal government. School boards are required to take students, but we need support.
While we open our doors to all of the students that have arrived, it is a significant financial burden on our system. We have identified it. It's $2.6 million to date that we have had to adjust and make allowances within our own budget, so we can ensure that each one of these students is supported.
It's necessary for us to have a collaborative effort between all levels of government to ensure the success of these refugee students and all refugees when they enter our country.