'Municipalities are at risk': Region of York demands federal and provincial funding for housing for asylum seekers and refugee claimants

Yorkreigon.com
Feb. 8, 2024

The Region of York is demanding the federal and provincial governments provide millions of dollars to pay for housing and others supports for asylum seekers and refugee claimants.

“Like many municipalities across the province, York Region is experiencing an influx of asylum seekers and refugee claimants,” regional chair Wayne Emmerson said in a statement.

“Successful integration of newcomers, including asylum seekers, requires a coordinated operational effort by all levels of government. We are pleased the government of Canada is acknowledging the work municipalities continue to do on this critical issue and look forward to details on how additional funding will be allocated locally. Without this coordination, municipalities are at risk of experiencing an unsustainable demand for resources.”

Last year, the region approved spending up to $4.3 million to support asylum seekers with interim housing and other wraparound supports.

The money, coming from regional property taxpayers, was used to provide asylum seekers and refugee claimants with interim housing at a Vaughan hotel. In December, the region expanded the program by providing interim housing at a Markham hotel.

“The number of people claiming asylum in Canada is increasing and, like other regions in Ontario, York Region is experiencing an unexpected influx of people seeking asylum and the need for suitable, sustainable housing,” Emmerson said in October.

"Supports for refugees and asylum seekers arriving in the GTHA (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area) remains a major concern and a coordinated response across all levels of governments, together with our community partners, will help ensure our newest residents are supported by strong, caring and safe communities."

Help from upper levels of government is needed now, regional council said in a motion passed this month.

The resolution demands the federal and provincial governments:

• Provide funding to York Region to compensate its $2.7 million in expenses spent last year and to offset costs related to the region’s interim housing and supports to asylum claimants
• Provide an additional $14.1 million estimated to offset costs related to the region’s interim housing and supports to asylum claimants for the balance of 2024
• Increase Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit funding to at least match enhanced provincial allocation of $2.4 million, which would enable asylum claimants to settle and find more stable housing
• Co-ordinate and streamline intake and housing supports by senior levels of government to address the increase in asylum claimants in Canada
• Provide funding directly to community organizations and service providers, such as churches and faith organizations, that are providing interim housing and settlement supports to asylum seekers

 

Money from Ottawa and Queen’s Park is crucial, said Vaughan Coun. Gino Rosati, chair of the region’s community and health services committee.

“York Region remains focused on supporting people, including providing safe accommodations and access to settlement services needed to find employment and stable housing as quickly as possible,” he said.

“Every level of government is needed to deliver long-term, sustainable and compassionate measures allowing our most vulnerable newcomers to have a safe place to stay.”