More than 4,000 migrants need support across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA), according to mayors and chairs of Durham, Brampton, Halton, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, Oshawa, Peel, Toronto, Vaughan and York.
“At present, there are over 4,000 asylum seekers and refugees requiring support across the GTHA,” said a joint statement issued after a meeting yesterday. “We have expanded our services to support refugees and asylum seekers while they establish themselves in Canada. We’ve activated the emergency shelter systems; provided wrap-around services and supports to help newcomers settle in the GTHA.
“But our collective system is over capacity. We simply cannot provide shelter and resources, without support from our provincial and federal partners. We are reducing our ability to serve our existing vulnerable populations,” the statement pointed out.
It said the federal funding announced earlier yesterday, did not reflect the increased number of refugees arriving in the community, nor does it apply to all municipalities facing these pressures. “We’ve been clear with federal and provincial representatives that we need their immediate and long-term support, including a strategy and program for the continued arrival of refugees and asylum seekers.”
First step in next few days
The statement said the first step starts in the next couple of days: planning for those who are unsheltered in our communities, including those who must be relocated from post-secondary residences. “Within the next few weeks, we need capital and operating support to further expand our shelter system and increase resources for affordable rental housing. We need a plan to address financial deficits—currently being carried by municipalities—to provide this much-needed support.
“We look forward to working with the federal and provincial government on next steps to ensure the GTHA remains a welcoming and supportive place for newcomers,” the statement added.