Canada fears backlash if incoming Syrian refugees seem 'pampered'

The Canadian government is concerned about a possible backlash against plans to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada, especially if the public thinks the newcomers were being “pampered”, according to a cabinet minister.

“Canadians are struggling for jobs themselves. Canadians have been waiting, in some case years, for social housing. There is a possibility of a social backlash against refugees if Canadians see them as being pampered,” the immigration and refugees minister, John McCallum, said on Tuesday.