CN pledges $5 million to help resettle Syrian refugees in Canada

CN will donate $5 million (in Canadian dollars) to assist communities with resettling thousands of Syrian refugees across Canada, the Class I announced last week.

In the coming days, the railroad will join with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and other Canadian business leaders to direct funds to assist with the refugees' housing and other needs, CN officials said in a press release.

"The humanitarian need is great and time is short to help welcome refugees arriving on our doorstep," said Luc Jobin, executive vice president and chief financial officer of CN. "Canada's business community has always been ready to aid those in need. We encourage other Canadian businesses to join CN in support of refugees looking for a better life."

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage, who co-chairs the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Task Force on Syrian Refugee Resettlement, praised the railroad for its donation.

"CN's support during this humanitarian crisis is a very welcome contribution to help address immediate and short-term needs of the thousands of refugees Canada will welcome in the coming weeks and months," Savage said. "We look forward to working with all orders of government on lasting solutions to the housing affordability crunch so that communities and newcomers are set up for success long-term."

Late last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the first plane of refugees arriving under a plan to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees in Canada by the end of February.