Federal government to stop funding hotel rooms for asylum seekers, IRCC says

 Federal government to stop funding hotel rooms for asylum seekers, IRCC says

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it will cease funding hotel rooms for asylum seekers, with the program officially ending on September 30, 2025. This decision comes as the federal government looks to reduce spending and transition away from what it considers a temporary measure.

Since 2020, the federal government has spent approximately $1.1 billion on temporary hotel housing for asylum seekers. As of recently, IRCC was housing 485 asylum seekers in five hotels in Ontario and Quebec.

Key points of the announcement:

 * Temporary Measure: IRCC emphasized that the funding for hotel accommodation was never intended to be a permanent solution.

 * Support for Transition: The department states it will support the remaining individuals in hotels to find longer-term housing before the September 30 deadline. They also plan to continue "supporting provinces and municipalities in developing their own long-term housing strategies."

 * Decreased Asylum Volumes: IRCC noted that while asylum volumes remain high, they are nearly 40% lower than last year.

 * Previous Transitions: Over 15,000 asylum claimants who were previously housed in hotels have already transitioned to independent living.

Implications and Concerns:

The decision has raised concerns among various organizations and experts:

 * Burden on Provinces and Municipalities: Critics warn that ending federal funding could shift the financial burden and responsibility for housing asylum seekers onto already stretched provincial and municipal resources.

 * Housing Shortages: There are worries that without federal support for hotels, asylum seekers may face significant challenges finding alternative accommodation, especially in cities with high demand and low supply of affordable housing. This could lead to increased homelessness or unsafe living conditions.

 * Strain on Non-Profits: Non-profit organizations that support newcomers are concerned that they will become even more overburdened if the government cuts lead to a greater demand for their services.

 * Overall Spending Cuts: This move is part of a broader plan by IRCC to forecast a 30% spending cut by 2028, along with lower immigration targets, reflecting a push for a more "sustainable approach to the management of temporary resident programs."

While the federal government aims to reduce costs and normalize the system, the coming months will reveal the true impact of this decision on asylum seekers and the various levels of government and organizations supporting them.