Joining a group of 5 is a large commitment. It should not be considered lightly. Having someone just say sign some papers is not very comforting. Unfortunately there are people who have the sponsored person/family pay back any money or refugees who get abandoned both financially and when it comes to social support once they arrive in Canada. The group of 5 was created so that responsibility is spread out between 5 people/groups. Things happens,jobs get lost, people get sick someone who may have planned to put up all the money may not be able to do so. There were many Syrian refugees who arrived to find that sponsors had had a change in circumstances and were no longer able to pay for their housing, food, etc. It is unclear what or if there were repercussions for these groups. In other cases families are not really in a financial position to sponsor their family but apply and are rejected because it is clear that it is not feasible given their own savings, expenses and income. If joining a group of 5 you should also be prepared and want to take on responsibility when it comes to the refugees resettlement in Canada. You are signing documents committing to do so.