Immigration minister says Canada bringing in at least 35,000 Syrian refugees

Immigration Minister John McCallum told reporters today that the federal government remains focused on housing to help with the influx ofSyrian refugees coming to Canada in the coming months.

In a news conference where he was joined by provincial ministers Michael Chanand Eric Hoskins in Toronto, McCallumsaid the federal government vowed to bring in 25,000 government-sponsored refugees during the election campaign and they're sticking with that figure.

Withprivate sponsors currently helping with 10,000, the total number of Syrians coming to Canadawill be at least 35,000 and could hit 50,000 with enough sponsorships.

• Syrian refugees booked on 1st flights to Canada total 305
• 'Housing, housing, housing,' main priority for refugee plan:McCallum
• 100+ communities to house privately sponsored Syrian refugees:map

Each refugee will undergo a series of tests overseas to become a permanent resident and landed immigrant, McCallumsaid. This grants refugeesaccess to benefits many Canadians enjoy, including legal rights, freedom of movement along with equal treatment and protections, to name a few.

A federal court ruled in July 2014 that Conservative cuts to health care for refugees constituted "cruel and unusual" punishment.

McCallum also responded to a question abouta report that only sixper cent of Syrians are choosing Canada or the United Statesas their top choice for resettlement.

More generally, this national project is going very well.- Immigration Minister John McCallum

"There's a huge enthusiasm to come to Canada," the minister said, adding thedata may be incomplete because communications are not always reliable in that part of theworld.

"I don't think that's the real number," he told reporters.

McCallum also reiteratedhis three top priorities for the refugees heading to Canadaare: "housing, housing and housing."

"This national project is going very well," the minister said, adding "there will be challenges along the way."

The government has said they would like to bring in 10,000 Syrian refugeesby the end of the year and 25,000 by March of next year. A federal map revealed Toronto will be receiving approximately 2,600 refugees in the process.