So its been a year since the bulk of the Syrian refugees arrived.
Remember you have to distinguish between the 2 streams that brought them here.

Government Assisted and Privately sponsored.
Those on the Government plan get 12 months of assistance.

Now before anyone gets the wrong impression I support helping refugees but all along I have said what is the figure that we accept not just from Syria but other countries as well as we all know that there is only a limited amount of money to go around.

This is a current overview of the Syrian refugees who were relocated to Hamilton Ontario.

Jobs barrier: City wants more federal help for language training needs of Syrian refugees - Hamilton - CBC News

For those who won't read the link here are the highlights

Most Syrian refugee newcomers to Hamilton still need at least 900 more hours of English training to be fluent enough to hold a job.
And the city says without more federal money to help catch up with the backlog, the new arrivals have little hope of finding jobs and financial independence.

190 families moving to social assistance

And that's most of them. Figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada show about 10 per cent of government assisted refugees earned some employment income in their first year here. For privately sponsored refugees, it's about 50 per cent.
Of the Syrian newcomers who arrived in Hamilton the last year, 84 per cent are government assisted, 11 per cent are privately sponsored and five per cent are blended visa office referred.

So how is it working in your area? Are they getting the assistance they need?

I can't find anything with that sort of detail.

The 'negative' reports have mostly been about the difficulty in housing as they tend to be larger families and much of the accommodation available isn't big enough to cope.

There have been plenty of positive news reports - going to their first ball game, Syrian food stand at the farmer's market, kids having new friends, that sort of stuff.

But little in the way of detailed information.

The issue is: they needed assistance as their lives were in danger. Once that is accepted, the fact they can, or cannot, speak the language is irrelevant.

Unfortunately thats not a view that is shared by all.

Unable to speak the language will be a big problem in entering the work force unless the employment is within their own community.

Now for arguments sake lets say peace is found in Syria in 3 years. I expect a number of them to return on their own accord but what about those remaining to stay? They will be allowed to apply for PR status and can remain in Canada but will they still be facing these same issues 3 years down the road?

That will be a decision for them to make and, if they can't speak the language and life in Canada is not as good for them as they believe their life in Syria would be, I anticipate that they will go back.

However, if they are willing to live in Canada on the income they can earn with their language skills, what is wrong with that?

Nothing.

Hopefully peace will be achieved in Syria and a democracy installed. The country will then need people to return to reestablish some infrastructure. They will need young people and children especially.

I've been involved with the settlement of a privately sponsored family. The advice given us that they should concentrate on learning English well before finding a job as this will help them find better jobs. They get lessons at the newcomers centre. Support lasts a year then suddenly they are on their own which to me is worrying.

One thing that the woman said to be was "it's good to be in a country where you can think what you want". Not say but think.

Wouldn't you know it there's another nice story in the paper today.

Hassan and Radia Al Shaikh are so happy to have been given the PM's hand to be able to live in peace they have named their new baby Justin Trudeau Al Shaikh.

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Most recent articles from Vancouver area.

Canada’s Syrian refugees: Income squeezed with switch to B.C. welfare | Vancouver Sun

Refugees, sponsors celebrate a year of prosperity in Canada | Vancouver Sun

Three-quarters of B.C.’s Syrian refugees attend English classes | Vancouver Sun

Further North in Prince George

One year on, Syrian refugees in Prince George, B.C., still between worlds - British Columbia - CBC News

Dressed for death: the women Boko Haram sent to blow themselves up

Beyond tragic. At least some of the young women survive. Religion and madness - not a good mix.

Quite funny though.

Less amusement in the actual article.

Are they normally exclusive then?

Calgary refugee couple welcomes baby 'Justin-Trudeau' | CTV News