Capsule History of Project 4,000 - 1979
June 27 Mayor Dewar convened a meeting, in her office, of Church and Community representatives concerned about the refugee situation. Result was expressed intent to resettle 4,000 refugees in the Ottawa area and to mobilize community support, first, through a rally at Civic Centre, July 12th.
June 28 Planning Meeting; 24 persons, at St. John's Church, Elgin Street; discussion of refugee policy, quota, private sponsorship and planning for rally.
June 29 Press conference at City Hall to announce Project 4,000. Temporary office space allocated at City Hall.
July 3 Planning Meeting; 68 persons, at St. John's; established eight study groups and further planning for rally. Study Group chairmen to serve on Co-ordinating Committee, with other resource persons.
July 5 Temporary office space allocated at Civic Centre, Lansdowne Park.
Co-ordinating Committee meeting received progress and planning for rally.
July 10 Co-ordinating Committee reviewed details of July 12th rally.
July 11 Training Session for 100 volunteers to staff information tables at rally.
July 12 Rally; drew almost 3,000 people; tangible support for Project 4,000.
July 17 Co-ordinating Committee reviewed organization, progress of study groups, Government policy developments.
July 18 Government announced new refugee program; 3,000 per month, to total of 50,000, notching private sponsorship. Articles of Incorporation for Project 4,000 completed, for submission to Queen's Park.
July 23 Government announced details of transportation program, including arrival of 200 refugees in Ottawa on August 5th.
July 24 Project Co-ordinator took up full-time duties. Co-ordinating Committee reviewed progress of Study Groups and planning for August 5th.
July 25 Meeting with local CIC/CEC officials re. August 5th.
July 30 Second meeting re. August 5th.
August 1 Fifth meeting of Co-ordinating Committee.
August 2 First meeting of Board of Directors.
August 6 Arrival of refugees at Ottawa International Airport