'We cannot stand idly by': Vaughan organizations ask for government help in assisting African refugees

Miracle Arena, ANCHOR Canada currently feeding, housing 65 refugees

Yorkregion.com
Aug. 29, 2023
Jeremy Grinaldi

Vaughan community organizations are asking for government help in assisting the "alarming" number of African refugees arriving in Canada.

The Miracle Arena for All Nations and ANCHOR Canada held an "urgent" news conference Aug. 28 to address the issue and the "lack of government support and public awareness" around it.

Many refugees have chosen to move to Vaughan, which has the largest African/Caribbean population in York Region.

"As a church and a community organization, we cannot stand idly by as guests to our city are not receiving the adequate care and concern," a news release from the organizations reads.

For the past dozen weeks, the Vaughan organizations have fed and housed about 65 asylum seekers. Many arrived at their doors from the Toronto intake facility at 129 Peter St.

The groups are asking for federal elected officials to put a plan in place for the refugees coming to Canada, including settlement, shelter and social programs, expedited work permits and health cards as the weather begins to turn.

The groups are also asking York Region to seek federal funding to address the issue and support Black community churches and those on the ground.

"The City of Toronto received $97-million," the news release reads. "How much will be given to York Region? The Miracle Arena is where the asylum seekers are being housed, fed and taken care of. The church is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. Without the support stated, we must be prepared to ask ourselves this question: Are we creating refugee camps across this province and is Vaughan becoming a refugee camp right here in York Region?”