Toronto Mayor Chow apologizes for treatment of asylum seekers, calls for more federal funding
Posted July 28, 2023 4:53 pm.
Last Updated July 28, 2023 5:30 pm.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow apologized to the hundreds of refugees who were forced to sleep on the sidewalk after arriving in Canada for how they’ve been treated.
For the last two weeks, hundreds of asylum seekers have been sheltered at Revivaltime Tabernacle Church and Dominion Church International Toronto, two local churches.
The group of more than 200 refugees spent days living on the sidewalk outside a downtown Toronto shelter intake office.
The makeshift camp outside 129 Peter Street had some calling it home for four weeks because of a lack of space at city shelters. The asylum seekers sleeping on the sidewalk are all from African nations.
Chow toured the Revivaltime Tabernacle Church to see the conditions these asylum seekers have been living in.
“The way they’ve been treated on the streets and the lack of dignity that they experience. There are absolutely no excuses whatsoever to be in a new country, lost both physically, spiritually, and materially,” said Chow in her apology.
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She thanked those who had donated their space and funds to help support these refugees and said it was time for the federal government to do the same.
“It cannot be a short-term fix. We need a long-term solution. That small amount of money is not enough. And they have to take that responsibility of refugees.”
Ottawa has announced $212 million more toward interim housing for people claiming asylum in Canada, including about $97 million for Toronto. At the time, Chow said it was a welcome “first step,” but more help is needed.
The Toronto mayor said she has spoken with the Red Cross and hopes to set up a “one-stop-shop” with the help of the humanitarian organization that can help these refugees.
“We need an immediate reception centre, not at a church but at a place near the airport so that all the refugees can find the services and shelters all in one place,” explained Chow.
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Before Chow’s apology, Pastor Judith James shared how housing the refugees has been extremely difficult for the church.
“With this great problem came great sacrifice on the part of the church, which has faced many challenges. The regular working church has been disrupted and will still get an impact on the lives of many members and families who have made plans,” said James.
James added they have pushed the electrical and hydro facilities of this church to their limit and have added up to astronomical costs.
“We will continue to do what is necessary. So these men and women do not have to face the conditions that they have grown familiar with prior to our intervention in the last few weeks,” James said.
“And so, we’re asking you, those who have the power to make a change, make a change. Those who have a voice to speak to this make your voices heard.”
Chow invited the new housing minister Sean Fraser to tour the churches to understand the situation better.
“Come and visit, do it soon. Because this situation cannot continue. They need the churches back. The young people need the churches back,” she said.
“We are here together, saying this is a place of faith. This is a place of love is also a place of hope. Let’s make sure we continue to have faith and hope and love and be able to treat refugees claiming to come to Canada with dignity.”
