In November 2010, the Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, responded to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' letter and resolution calling on the government to absorb the cost of refugee transportation loans.

The answer is 'no': "I realize that the loan costs may seem small compared to government budgets, but Canada is grappling with a deficit and like the world economy in general, is still recovering from a global recession.  The Government of Canada is committed to balancing the books." - Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

As disappointing as it is, this isn't the end of the line.  The government may not be moved by this one letter, but more pressure can make a difference.

Click here to join the Canadian Council for Refugees, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and others in showing the government that small investments, like cancelling loans for refugees, have HUGE payoffs and make siginificant long-term savings for Canada.