Peel gets $7 million from Feds for asylum claimant reception centre, temporary shelter

Funding for centre announced last week

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A reception centre and shelter for asylum claimants is coming to Peel, near Toronto Pearson International Airport.

At a November 24 media event in Brampton, Canada's Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities Kamal Khera announced the Government of Canada would be providing $7 million for the creation of a reception centre and temporary shelter for asylum claimants in Peel.

Khera made the announcement on behalf of Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller.

The Government said the reception centre will provide streamlined services and supports to asylum claimants through partnerships with community organizations that possess the experience and skills to serve claimants.

The Government, in its announcement, also said it had procured temporary accommodations for short-term housing to alleviate pressure on shelters.

“The world is facing unprecedented global displacement levels, and like many countries, Canada is experiencing a rise in asylum claims,” said the Federal Government in a media release. “This has placed immense pressure on Canada's shelter systems and as winter approaches, the need becomes more urgent.”

Miller said the Government understands the significant challenges municipalities like Peel face with rising asylum claims. 

“Everyone deserves the basic right to a safe place to stay and this funding is going to significantly help alleviate the pressures in this region. We are confident that with full engagement from all levels of government, we can develop longer-term options for interim housing outside of the current situation,” said Miller.

Khera said the new reception centre will save lives and alleviate pressure from the Region of Peel.

Peel Regional Council Chair Nando Iannicca said while the affordable housing crisis has strained the Region's ability to provide shelter to residents and asylum claimants, the $7 million funding announcement was very encouraging.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Minister Miller and the Government of Canada for supporting a new reception centre for asylum claimants. This reception centre is vital for asylum claimants and will help ease the capacity burdens of Peel's emergency shelters,” said Iannicca.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said the centre will prevent a humanitarian crisis and thanked the Government of Canada for providing funds to help asylum seekers.

“Make no mistake about it… this agreement will save lives,” said Brown.

Mississauga Acting Mayor Chris Fonseca also thanked the Government, and said the funding came at a critical time to make sure those in need have a roof over their heads in the winter.

As previously reported in the Citizen, according to an October 26 report from Peel's Commissioner of Human Services Sean Baird, Peel's emergency shelter system was operating at above 270 per cent capacity at that time.

This came after a September 14 report submitted to Regional Council from Baird that detailed a dramatic rise in asylum claimants in Peel. At that time, 57 per cent of shelter occupants in Peel were asylum claimants.

As of August 27, 730 asylum claimants were residing in Peel's shelter overflow hotels. Another 16 were camped outdoors waiting for assistance.