WINNIPEG -- An emergency planning centre normally used during spring floods will organize support programs for Syrian refugees coming to Manitoba.
The government is also asking landlords for available rental units, and is setting up a website and toll-free telephone line with the Red Cross for anybody who wants to help with donations.
Premier Greg Selinger says the province is planning to help between 1,500 and 2,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February.
He says several government departments have to work together -- including education, health and labour -- and each will have staff at the province's emergency co-ordination centre.
The office is normally used to forecast, track and co-ordinate efforts against spring flooding.
Selinger set aside $1.4 million in September for refugee support, and says that should be enough to handle the number of refugees anticipated.
