Nova Scotia confident Ottawa will handle security concerns around refugee plan

Nova Scotia's premier doesn't want to pre-judge whetherOttawa should pull back from a plan to bring 25,000 Syrian refugeesinto Canada by the end of the year.

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StephenMcNeilsaidTuesdaythat Ottawa is responsible forhandling any security concerns that arise from its screening processof refugees,and his province remained ready to proceed withwelcoming newcomers once it's determined how that will happen.

McNeil said he expected many of those concerns to be addressed ina federal-provincial meeting next week, in light of the recentterror attacks in Paris and Beirut.

Security federal government's responsibility

"Security coming into the country is the responsibility of thefederal government," said McNeil. "So if it [the plan]continuesto move forward we are ready to participate as part of thefederation."

He made the comments following the release of a letterbySaskatchewan Premier Brad Wall who says the refugee plan may pose athreat to Canadian security.

The Nova Scotia Immigration Department said it is continuing toplan for the eventual arrival of refugees and will use its 211service line to gauge and co-ordinate help offered by the public.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said individuals orbusinesses should call the line with any offers of clothing, food,lodgingor financial donations.