More federal housing support for asylum claimants

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

July 18, 2023 - Moncton- This support is part of a one-time injection of approximately $212 million in funding into the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), which extends until March 31, 2024. This amount includes about $97 million in new funds for the City of Toronto. 

Through the IHAP, the federal government provides funding to provincial and municipal governments on a cost-sharing basis to address extraordinary interim housing pressures resulting from increased volumes of asylum claimants since 2017.

In addition to IHAP, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been working with the most impacted provinces and municipalities to increase the number of temporary housing units. IRCC had over 3,800 hotel rooms in six provinces available for temporary housing of asylum claimants at the beginning of July.

The Government of Canada also funds settlement services to help newcomers settle and adapt to life in Canada. These services include information and referrals, language training, assistance finding a job that matches newcomers’ skills and education, and help to integrate into Canadian society.

In addition, the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides immediate and essential support services and income assistance to help refugees meet their resettlement needs through contributions to service provider organizations. These services range from reception services, assistance with accommodations, links to essential federal and provincial programs, and life-skills training.

IRCC implemented a temporary public policy (TPP) on November 16, 2022. It offers asylum claimants timely access to open work permits, allowing them to enter the Canadian labour market sooner and provide for themselves while they await a decision on their asylum claim.