Asylum seekers in Toronto are facing dire circumstances as the city and federal government engage in a dispute over who should bear the responsibility of providing shelter for them. Homelessness advocates are urging all levels of government to take immediate action to address the issue.
Recently, a small group of individuals has been observed sleeping in a makeshift encampment on a downtown Toronto sidewalk, right outside a referral center for housing assistance and emergency shelter. Diana Chan McNally, a homelessness advocate and harm reduction case manager at Toronto’s All Saints Church, expressed deep concern over the situation, calling it a “human rights disaster.” She emphasized that these individuals have already fled trauma and are now being subjected to further suffering on the streets.
Saman Tabasinejad, acting executive director of Progress Toronto, echoed McNally’s sentiments, stating that if Canada truly wishes to uphold its reputation as a defender of human rights and a welcoming place for refugees, it must provide the necessary financial support.
The City of Toronto, facing capacity constraints in its shelters, has been redirecting asylum seekers to federal programs since June 1. It is urgently seeking $157 million in funding from the federal government to cover the costs associated with supporting asylum seekers in the city’s shelter system. The city asserts that refugees and immigration fall under federal jurisdiction and thus require federal funding. While the federal government had previously allocated approximately $215 million to address the housing pressures resulting from increased numbers of asylum claimants in Toronto, the city claims it has not received any new funding since last year.
Advocates argue that refugees and asylum seekers should not be used as bargaining chips for additional funding. McNally criticized both the city and federal government for leaving these vulnerable individuals stranded without access to shelter or support. While she acknowledged the federal government’s ultimate responsibility to provide shelter for asylum seekers and refugees, she condemned the city’s approach to the issue, stating that people’s lives should not be treated as political pawns. Tabasinejad stressed the need for a comprehensive response involving all levels of government, with a particular emphasis on increased funding and assistance from the federal and provincial governments.
Progress Toronto has launched a petition urging the federal government to fund shelter space and emergency housing support for refugees and asylum seekers. As of now, the petition has garnered over 1,700 signatures. Toronto mayor-elect Olivia Chow has placed the blame squarely on the federal government, highlighting their current lack of financial contribution. She remains hopeful that both federal and provincial governments will come together to find a solution.
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development in Ontario stated that it provided over $96 million in funding last year to organizations supporting refugees and newcomers. However, it emphasized that resettlement and support for refugees and asylum seekers is primarily the responsibility of the federal government. The ministry continues to advocate for Ontario’s fair share of funding under the National Housing Strategy.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and expressed empathy for those involved. The department is actively collaborating with provincial and municipal partners to alleviate the pressures faced by asylum seekers. IRCC is currently working on providing temporary accommodations and has dedicated 3,536 hotel rooms across six provinces for this purpose. It also noted that refugees arriving in Canada through resettlement programs are eligible for 12 months of income support, along with assistance in finding permanent accommodation.
Advocates are deeply concerned about the well-being of unhoused newcomers, particularly given the unsettling experience of fleeing war or persecution in their home countries. The lack of access to basic necessities such as shelter, food, and water, coupled with extreme weather conditions and poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke, further exacerbates their difficulties. McNally emphasized the health risks faced by these individuals, including dehydration and heatstroke, and expressed worry that some may resort to seeking help at emergency rooms.
In light of these challenges, advocates are calling for urgent action to address the funding dispute and ensure the safety and well-being of asylum seekers in Toronto.