The Moncton-based New Brunswick Refugee Clinic has been busy working with about 150 refugee claimants since late February.
The federal government transferred them here from Quebec after that province became overwhelmed by the many refugees who were entering Canada at the Roxham Road crossing.
Clinic executive director Olivia Huynh provided an update on the refugees to Moncton Council this week.
“These are all people who are fleeing persecution and extremely dangerous circumstances in their home countries, including gender persecution, armed conflict, political persecution and ethnic and religious violence.”
Huynh said the clinic works with various community partners including MAGMA to support the refugees.
She said the clinic was understaffed when the refugees began arriving in February since she was the only employee at the time.
“We have since hired a second full-time staff member in an administrative role and we have two full-time summer students through the SEED program who are assisting with legal work.”
She said the clinic has also received funding to hire another full-time lawyer and recruiting is underway.
In operation since 2016, the non-profit clinic provides free, bilingual legal services to refugees in the province who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
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