The 2022 City of Toronto decision to stop allowing refugee claimants into base shelter system beds had “harmful impacts” and was “inconsistent with City policies,” according to a report released on Thursday by the Toronto Ombudsman, Kwame Addo.
In November 2022, the City of Toronto decided to stop allowing refugee claimants access to its base shelter system beds. The City made this decision public in May 2023 and redirected refugee claimants to federal services.
The City reversed the eligibility change in July 2023, but the report says it took almost another two more months for that decision to be put into effect.
In July 2023, Mayor Olivia Chow delivered a public apology to refugees for “the way they’ve been treated on the streets and the lack of dignity that they experienced.”
“There’s absolutely no excuse whatsoever,” she said.
The Toronto Onbudsman’s investigation, entitled An Investigation into the City’s Decision to Stop Allowing Refugee Claimants into Base Shelter System Beds, was launched to determine “how, when, and why this decision was made; whether the decision was fair, transparent and demonstrated accountability; whether the decision was consistent with relevant City policies; whether it was in line with the City’s commitments to realize the human right to adequate housing; and the impact on refugee claimants.”
The investigation, according toi the report, “uncovered several critical issues with the City’s decision,” including:
- Inconsistent with City policies: “the decision went against key City policies meant to ensure universal access to services.”
- Unhelpful referrals, harmful impacts: “the City referred refugee claimants to federal services City staff knew did not provide temporary shelter. Some were turned away from City shelters even when a bed was available.”
- Lack of accountability: “the decision lacked proper documentation, leaving no clear record of who approved it or why.”
- Systemic discrimination: “the decision amounted to systemic discrimination on the basis of citizenship and race – specifically, anti-Black racism as most of the refugee claimants were of African descent and Black, and the City knew that.”
In the report Ombudsman Toronto made a total of 14 recommendations to:
- Improve and clarify City processes for major eligibility decisions affecting refugee claimants
- Train staff on anti-Black racism and the human right to adequate housing
- Meaningfully consult with experts and affected communities
- Strengthen accountability
The report states that “these recommendations will strengthen fairness and transparency, and further the human right to adequate housing in the City’s shelter system, ensuring all residents are treated with dignity and respect.”
In a letter to Addo dated Nov. 26, City Manager Paul Johnson said he disagrees with the findings of the report. Johnson said that he was “disheartened” by the report’s “accusatory” tone, adding that it demonstrates a “lack of understanding of the context the city was in at the time” as well as the “roles and responsibilities of other orders of government.”
As a part of our Uprooted Junior Program, FCJ Refugee Centre and Musicbox Children’s Charity are offering a new season of free music classes.
Este año queremos dedicar Giving Tuesday a lograr que las fiestas sean más felices para las familias que más lo necesitan.
Cette année, nous souhaitons consacrer Giving Tuesday à rendre les fêtes plus heureuses pour les familles qui en ont le plus besoin.