Federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently spoke at a news conference in Calgary, highlighting the government’s efforts to provide relief for those most affected by rising food prices. The Canadian Press photographer, Jeff McIntosh, captured the moment in a photograph displaying Fraser addressing the audience.
In related news, the federal government has announced an additional $212 million in funding to support interim housing for individuals seeking asylum in Canada. A significant portion of this funding, approximately $97 million, will be allocated to Toronto. This decision comes in response to the issue of asylum seekers and refugee claimants being forced to sleep on sidewalks due to the overwhelmed shelter system in the city. Reports indicate that a church in Toronto is currently housing these individuals on a temporary basis.
Toronto has experienced a 500 percent increase in the number of asylum seekers seeking shelter within the city’s system over the past 20 months. Consequently, the city has been forced to redirect individuals to federal programs as their existing shelters have reached capacity. In light of this situation, Mayor Olivia Chow has requested that the federal government cover the $157 million Toronto has spent on maintaining refugee shelter spaces. Furthermore, she has also urged for additional support in terms of housing, shelter space, and personnel.
In response, Minister Sean Fraser announced the new funding to ensure that cities like Toronto can continue providing shelter for those fleeing violence, war, and persecution. The funding is aimed at assisting cities in accommodating individuals seeking asylum and refugees, enabling them to have a safe and stable living environment.