Wall says Saskatchewan is prepping for about 850 Syrian refugees

Premier Brad Wall says the province is preparing for the arrival of about 850 Syrian refugees.

Wall says the number is based on immigration proportions allotted to the provinces, but cautions the figure has not yet been confirmed by the federal government.

The premier also commended Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for taking more time to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees into Canada.

Rather than bring 25,000 people in by year’s end, the group will now be split in two with 10,000 to arrive by Dec. 31 and the rest by the end of February.

Wall says Trudeau wants to ensure proper security screening and a successful settlement for refugees.

He says Ottawa should take more time as the February target date approaches, if there are concerns about security and settlement.