Lena Diab and Whalen

: They are well aware of our interest," Whalen said Friday afternoon. "The scope of the crisis is huge, according to CBC. We're trying to do something. She said Lena Diab, the province immigration minister, has been in touch with Ottawa but there has been no response yet. "We are willing and able. It is almost unbelievable to see the level of suffering." Halifax man hopes to bring Syrian family to Nova Scotia Whalen said she believes Nova Scotians are willing to privately sponsor refugee families. Province willing to offer financial aid Whalen said that not the extent of the financial aid the province is willing to give, but wouldn't name a figure, saying it "is immaterial" until the federal government makes a move. Earlier on Friday, Premier Stephen McNeil said Nova Scotia has donated $50,000 to the United Nations humanitarian effort to help Syrian refugees and challenged other provinces to do the same. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.