Multiple crises across the globe displace millions of people each year. For some of these displaced millions, Canada will be the country in which they decide to seek asylum. Indeed, Canada has seen a significant increase in refugee claimants recently: last year, the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) received 137,947 claims—an increase from 58,378 in 2019.
Most claimants are found to be refugees in need of protection, but many of these vulnerable individuals have fallen through the cracks and into homelessness and exploitation. For a new refugee claimant, the process to determine their status is currently estimated to take two years. During those two years, they must navigate complicated legal and housing systems with limited financial support and social assistance. Despite the increase in refugee claims—an increase that is only projected to continue—the federal government has relied on inefficient ad-hoc responses, rather than implementing a comprehensive plan that provides adequate settlement and housing.
As highlighted by Nadine Miller and Rev. Alexa Gilmour in their article A Call to Resistance and Refuge, grassroots organizations, faith-based communities, and civil society actors have been the ones to take up the call to fill in the gaps. These and other organizations have mobilized their limited resources with an eye to compassion and justice, and expertise in the particular needs of refugee claimants.
Last summer, faith-based organizations quickly came together to provide shelter for hundreds of Black African refugee claimants in Toronto last summer. This summer, Daybreak Housing in Ottawa was able to provide housing to 20 refugee women. One of the women, Jane Nakyuyune, told CTV News, “we make food that we want to make; we shop in African food stores, cook for ourselves, and be happy.” Earlier this year, CPJ had the opportunity to visit a youth program for asylum-seeking youth run by a Toronto-based Christian Organization called Connect City. The program, which is run by volunteer leaders, provides asylum-seeking youth a sense of normalcy in a period of uncertainty. Those who participated in the program explained that it had been crucial in providing them with a sense of community and equipping them with basic skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.
The stories of these organizations in major cities are heartening. But the bureaucratic structure that ultimately determines the fate of refugee claimants across Canada is not equipped to deal with the complexities of claimants’ needs and experiences. Without the appropriate support, claimants are subject to a difficult resettlement process that can exacerbate past traumas. Likewise, without the support of the federal government, these civil organizations are limited in their capacity to act.
Any action addressing the needs of refugee claimants must be a plan that is coordinated with civil society organizations who are best positioned to understand the varied needs of asylum seekers. As the number of forcibly displaced people continues to grow rapidly, Canada must resist the trend of wealthy nations shirking their obligations to refugees. It is time for the federal government to act on calls from advocates and implement a comprehensive national housing and settlement support plan that ensures a fulsome welcome for those seeking asylum within Canadian borders.
Continuing resistance
On Refugee Rights Day 2024, the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) announced their campaign, “A National Plan for Asylum with Dignity: Five Key Pillars.” As a part of the campaign, CPJ launched a broad interfaith call to action for faith leaders, religious organizations and members of the faith community to demand for the implementation of A National Plan for Asylum with Dignity. To view the interfaith call and to sign on, visit our website cpj.ca/asylum/.
