Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier said the influx of some 200 migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in July has “exhausted” the town’s social support system.
“Since the end of June, close to 200 displaced migrants have arrived in the Town of Ajax,” said Mayor Collier. “This sudden influx in refugees and asylum seekers has put immense pressure on an already stretched social support system. While the Region of Durham and local agencies have been working diligently to address the needs of those arriving in our community, including access to shelter, resources have been completely exhausted.”
Earlier, Regional Chair and CEO John Henry said Durham was being overwhelmed by the sudden arrival of new migrants, while appealing for funding and housing support from federal and provincial governments (see below).
Ajax Mayor Collier too pointed out that without additional funding and aid for these individuals, the town is facing an emergency situation on top of the current homelessness situation.
“More displaced individuals are arriving daily and with no remaining capacity in the system, people are being forced to sleep on the street. In a matter of days, Ajax has already experienced an approximate 40 per cent increase to our existing unsheltered population,” the mayor said.
He said Ajax is in regular contact with the region as they navigate this emerging issue and advocate on behalf of these individuals and the community to the federal and provincial governments.
“Ajax is an inclusive community, and we count diversity and inclusion as our greatest strength. Residents come from around the world to settle in Ajax and make it their home. The safety, dignity and well-being of newcomers must be a priority and I echo the region’s call to upper levels of government to respond to this crisis,” Mayor Collier added.
Re refugees. Can we not open schools to help the refugees? The Red Cross helps every where, why are they not helping the refugees in Canada? There are ads everywhere for jobs, could this not be an avenue to help them? Where is Doug Ford on this? At his cottage- to get away from it all? Food for thought…