I think this was a knee jerk decision to try to show a warm welcome for the refugees. I think it is wrong to change the rules that Canadians expect and embrace (co-ed swims). Given that these kids are fairly young and will soon be imbedded deep in Canadian culture, might as well start them off at this young age even if it's uncomfortable for the parents.
We certainly don't want to encourage isolation as we see happening in Europe but we don't want to send a message to these kids that swimming co-ed is wrong.