Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire says it won't be long before Syrian refugees begin arriving in Southwestern Manitoba. Maguire notes the refugees started arriving late last week, and several private groups have been working to give them homes here in the province.

"We've had some and I appreciate the fact that these ones coming in right now are from private refugees status at this point. I applaud those who've reached out to communities through churches and other community groups, as well as private families, who have been able to open the doors for some of these folks coming into our country."

However, when it comes to the federal government sponsored refugees, Maguire says there's much to learned about the plans for those individuals and families.

"We haven't heard the specific numbers for Manitoba yet, those are questions that remain unanswered. We believe there will be several thousand coming to our province, but we don't know where or when yet."

He adds his office has been busy fielding calls from churches and other organizations who are eager to bring in refugees.