More federal housing support for asylum claimants
July 21, 2023 | Vision Newspaper |
On July 18th, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced funding that will ensure impacted communities have the capacity to keep a roof over the heads of vulnerable asylum claimants who want Canada’s protection.
This support will come through a one-time injection of approximately $212 million in funding into the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which will be extended until March 31, 2024. This includes approximately $97 million in new funding for the City of Toronto. IHAP provides funding on a cost-sharing basis to provinces and municipalities for the costs of interim housing for asylum claimants. Today’s funding is in addition to the nearly $700 million already delivered through the program, including over $215 million for the City of Toronto.
In addition to IHAP, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been working with the most impacted provinces and municipalities to increase the amount of temporary housing. As of early July, IRCC had over 3,800 hotel rooms in six provinces to provide temporary housing to asylum claimants.
“Canada will continue to support the world’s most vulnerable people who seek our protection. Today, we have committed additional funds to ensure cities like Toronto have the capacity to keep a roof over the head of asylum seekers fleeing violence, war and persecution.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The City of Toronto has no better partner than our federal government. Today’s funding announcement builds on our record of partnering with municipalities, including Toronto, to ensure that those seeking refuge and safety in Canada receive the support they deserve.” – The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
SOURCE Government of Canada
