Canada will soon make a major move to resettle Syrian refugees fleeing violence in the Middle East.
The country will accept up to 900 Syrian refugees a day, reaching up to 6,300 per week, according to local media.
The refugees will fly out of Jordan as early as Dec. 1, and will land in Toronto and Montreal, after which they will be relocated to sites across the country.
The United Nations will identify the Syrians to be transferred, and they will be subject to a screening process by Canadian officials upon landing. Syrians who pass security and health checks will immediately become permanent citizens.
A government document leaked to local media last week revealed the details about “Operation Syrian Refugees.” CTV News reports that the document says federal government employees will have to work through the holidays in order help process the refugees.
The move would make good on newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s campaign promise to bring in 25,000 refugees by Jan. 1.
In contrast, the U.S. program to accept Syrian refugees has come under fire following the series of attacks in Paris on Nov. 13 that left 130 dead and the hunt for a one of the suspected terrorists who gained entry into Europe via the European Union’s refugee registration program.
Last week more than 30 governors challenged President Obama’s plan to take in refugees. On Thursday the House passed a bill that would install strict background checks on all Syrian refugees entering the country, which could make it more difficult for many to qualify.
The State Department said in September it would accept 10,000 Syrian refugees next year.
