A coalition representing Ontario’s 29 largest cities – including all five of Durham Region’s urban lakeshore communities and another seven cities from Mississauga to St. Catharines – is calling on Ottawa to enhance its support for asylum seekers because local municipalities can “no longer keep up with the demand.”
“The Canadian government is failing to fully fund the municipal front line that Canada relies on to welcome and settle newcomers,” read a statement from Ontario’s Big City Mayors, referencing the recent surge of refugees fleeing conflict in their home countries that has “dramatically increased pressure” on a system already at capacity. “Municipalities can no longer keep up.”
The group, which includes mayors of 29 cities with populations over 100,000 (collectively representing nearly 70 percent of Ontario’s population), recognizes that housing and support for asylum seekers are traditional responsibilities.
“Historically, by collaborating with other levels of government, local agencies, and community partners to coordinate their settlement efforts, municipalities have managed to expand services during times of influx through emergency shelter systems and other wraparound supports,” the statement continued. “This is no longer the case.”
The Big City Mayors argue that Ottawa hasn’t consulted or planned with municipalities to ensure newcomers receive adequate support, noting that when these needs aren’t met, vulnerable and marginalized communities bear the brunt.
Cities are on the “front line” in welcoming newcomers to Canada but the infrastructure available for managing the refugee housing crisis is outdated, according to the group.
“Municipal leaders are operating with a nineteenth century revenue system to respond to twenty-first century responsibilities that include a housing and homelessness crisis, public health and safety issues such as mental health and addictions crises, aging infrastructure, and other traditional duties.”
The Big City Mayors believe this week’s announcement by the federal government regarding an increase in interim housing support in Toronto by $97 million is a “good start,” but they emphasize that it does not address the systemic capacity issues faced by municipalities across Ontario or solve the current refugee crisis impacting communities throughout the GTA and beyond.
An “urgent meeting” involving all levels of government is necessary to discuss immediate actions regarding capacity challenges faced by municipalities and develop a funding model addressing ongoing needs for emergency housing and additional supports, they stated.
They also urge the federal government to engage with municipalities, provinces, and territories about setting immigration targets-including those for international students-and ensuring cities receive adequate funding and resources so people can access necessary housing and services upon arrival.
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“Municipal leaders are operating with a nineteenth century revenue system to respond to twenty-first century responsibilities that include a housing and homelessness crisis, public health and safety issues such as mental health and addictions crises, aging infrastructure, and other traditional duties.”
The Big City Mayors believe this week’s announcement by the federal government regarding an increase in interim housing support in Toronto by $97 million is a “good start,” but they emphasize that it does not address the systemic capacity issues faced by municipalities across Ontario or solve the current refugee crisis impacting communities throughout the GTA and beyond.
An “urgent meeting” involving all levels of government is necessary to discuss immediate actions regarding capacity challenges faced by municipalities and develop a funding model addressing ongoing needs for emergency housing and additional supports, they stated.
They also urge the federal government to engage with municipalities, provinces, and territories about setting immigration targets-including those for international students-and ensuring cities receive adequate funding and resources so people can access necessary housing and services upon arrival.
Last 30 Days: 81,297 Votes
All Time: 1,210,586 Votes
310 VOTES
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