LONDON -- Prime Minister Trudeau says welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada will produce economic and social benefits.
He says there's more than simple humanitarianism in his program to bring 25,000 refugees to Canada by the end of February.
Canadians have seen in the past that helping people flee intolerable situations produces a more diverse and resilient country, he says.
The prime minister acknowledges that the issue can bring out fear and divisive politics, but he says Canadians have dealt with refugee influxes in the past.
It's a good thing, he says, which benefits Canadian society and can help promote peace in the world.
He was speaking at a news conference following a private meeting with the Queen.
Earlier, in a speech at Canada House, home of the Canadian high commission, he underlined the importance of diversity.
"Our commitment to diversity and inclusion isn't about Canadians being nice and polite, although of course we are," he said. "In fact, this commitment is a powerful and ambitious approach to making Canada, and the world, a better, and safer, place."
He said it is a source of strength.
"We know that Canada has succeeded -- culturally, politically, economically -- because of our diversity, not in spite of it."
