WHAT ABOUT US? When will our government start focusing on the needs of the people?

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

This year alone, Ontario could receive more than 72,000 asylum claimants – nearly twice as many as last year, and the government is reportedly finding ways to deal with the influx of asylum seekers. In April, the Ontario government announced an additional $202 million annually in homelessness prevention programs to help those experiencing, or are at risk of homelessness, and to support community organizations delivering supportive housing.

The Ontario government is also investing $42 million through the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) to support impacted municipalities across the province in providing urgent assistance to a rapidly growing number of asylum claimants and other at-risk populations.

This investment in 2023-24 includes $826,000 for the Regional Municipality of Durham, which will help move more people into housing and free up existing shelter spaces. The funding allocation reflects the estimated share of asylum claimants in the area and their relative impact on local services, based on provincial social assistance data.

“The $826,000 investment through the Canada Ontario Housing Benefit program will help ensure that the Region of Durham continues to have the capacity to provide asylum seekers with the support, and resources they need,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. “I look forward to continuing to work with Regional Chair Henry and my fellow Durham Region MPPs as together we create an environment that allows everyone in the Region to thrive and grow.”

 “With a growing number of asylum seekers arriving in Ajax and across Ontario, it’s important that we take action to provide shelter for those that need it,” said Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax. “The Canada Ontario Housing Benefit has historically provided rapid assistance to a number of asylum claimants, which is why I am happy to see this $42 million investment into the program across Ontario with $826,000 aimed towards the Durham Region.”

“Our government’s investment underscores the urgency of this situation, aiming to assist asylum seekers as they transition into more stable housing while alleviating the burden on municipal shelter systems,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “Our commitment to those seeking a secure place
to call home remains firm.”

“Our government’s efforts toward building a strong, secure, and prosperous Ontario have made our province the destination of choice for many new immigrants and asylum seekers who wish to come here in search of a better life,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “This allocated $826,000 will assist Durham Region in providing critical support to the rapidly growing number of claimants in our province and freeing-up shelter space. We continue to strongly advocate for the federal government’s support to our municipalities and asylum seekers as they look to integrate into Ontario and build a new life.”

“I am thankful our government is investing an additional $42 million through the COHB program to support asylum claimants and other at-risk populations who have come to Ontario hoping for a better life” said MPP David Piccini. “I know this $826,000 of funding for Durham Region will help support and mediate the rapidly increasing number of asylum claimants and ensure they are able to build the life they deserve.”

“This investment will ease growing pressures on homeless shelters by helping thousands of asylum seekers move into long-term housing,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Unfortunately, too many newcomers searching for a better life are struggling, living in our shelter systems, church basements or, in some cases, out on the streets. That’s just unacceptable. We need all levels of government working together to tackle this crisis.”

It is admirable that our provincial government continues to advocate strongly for Ontario municipalities and service managers to ensure they receive their fair share of federal funding to address the significant, ongoing rise in asylum claimants. I can appreciate all of this work that our government is doing for asylum seekers, but I do have a question; WHAT ABOUT US?

Let’s be real here; things are not easy for Canadians. Did you know that one in four Canadians are unable to cover an unexpected expense of $500?

According to Statistics Canada, in fall 2022, over one-third (35%) of Canadians reported that it was difficult for their household to meet its financial needs in the previous 12 months. When asked whether their household had the resources to cover an unexpected expense of $500, 26% said that they would be unable to do so, with a slightly larger percentage of women (29%) reporting this difficulty than men (24%).

Further, while the vast majority of Canadians were concerned with rising gasoline and food prices, almost half (44%) said they were very concerned with their household’s ability to afford housing or rent.

Among Black Canadians, 74% reported being very concerned over the cost of housing, as did 65% of South Asians. According to the 2021 Census of Population, some of these groups were less likely to be home owners and more likely to face financial vulnerability related to housing.

When asked if their household could cover an unexpected expense of $500 today, over half (51%) of Black people replied that they could not, followed by 38% of Filipino people. By comparison, 14% of Chinese people reported that they would be unable to cover an unexpected expense of $500.

RBC Canadian Financial Wellbeing Survey – Fall 2023 Edition findings showed that while money is on the minds of all three generations, with almost a third or more of: Gen X (31%), Gen Y (41%) and Gen Z (34%) thinking about money a couple of times daily, more than two-thirds responded that their financial situation could be better if they spent more time on it (70%, 69% and 73% respectively).

Compared to 40% of all Canadian adults surveyed, Gen Y (Millennials) are the most likely to have a difficult time sleeping because they are worried about their finances (53%), followed by Gen Z (48%) and Gen X (43%). And while just under half (48%) of all respondents reported their mental health is also being negatively affected, this was true for a much larger proportion of Gen Y and Gen Z (63% each) and Gen X (54%).

In 2021 about 235,000 Canadians experienced homelessness, Statistics Canada estimates — a number that experts predicted would grow due to increasing pressures of: rising inflation, massive rent increases, stagnant wages, and a growing influx of refugees seeking asylum from climate disasters and conflict.

A 2023 study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that the hourly wage for a 40-hour work week that is needed to afford rent in every province far exceeds the minimum wage. The CCPA also found that almost half of all Canadians are “less than $200” away from bankruptcy.

Again, I ask, WHAT ABOUT US? When will our government start focusing on the needs of the people? Take care of home first!