Canada announced a $7 million investment for asylum seekers
Facing increased asylum claims and shelter pressure, Canada announced a $7 million investment for a new reception center in the Peel Region. Operated in partnership with community organizations, this center will offer services and additional shelter for asylum claimants.
The government has provided nearly $700 million to provinces and municipalities since 2017 through the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which was extended with an additional $212 million. The federal government has procured temporary accommodations to alleviate local shelter pressure, currently housing over 7,000 asylum claimants across Canada.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated:
“We recognize the significant challenges that provinces and municipalities, such as Peel Region, are facing as a result of the increase in asylum claims, and we will continue to work closely with them to find solutions. Everyone has the basic right to a safe place to live, and this funding will go a long way toward alleviating the pressures in this area. We are confident that with full participation from all levels of government, we can develop longer-term alternatives to the current situation for interim housing.”
About the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP)
Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) contributes to provinces and municipalities on a cost-sharing basis for the costs of interim housing for asylum seekers. Immigration has shaped the country of Canada. With increased global migration, Canada, like many other countries, is seeing an increase in the number of people seeking asylum. While provinces and municipalities are responsible for housing and support for asylum seekers, the federal government recognizes the need for all levels of government to collaborate on solutions to address the current need, and we have been there every step of the way.
On July 18, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced funding to ensure impacted communities have the capacity to keep vulnerable asylum claimants who want Canada’s protection a roof over their heads.
This assistance will be provided through a one-time $212 million funding injection into the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which will be extended until March 31, 2024. The City of Toronto will receive approximately $97 million in new funding. IHAP funds provinces and municipalities on a cost-sharing basis for the costs of interim housing for asylum seekers. The funding announced today is in addition to the nearly $700 million already provided by the program, including over $215 million for the City of Toronto.
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