Several community-based organizations in Vaughan, York, are asking the government to help resettle the large number of refugees who have arrived in Canada.
To address the "alarming" level of refugees in Africa, and due to a "lack of government support and public awareness," The Miracle Arena for All Nations and ANCHOR Canada held an "urgent" press conference on August 28.
Source: Miracle Arena
It is reported that many refugees choose to move to Vaughan because it is the place with the largest African and Caribbean population in the York Region.
A press release issued by the organizers said: "As a church and community organization, we cannot stand idly by because guests in our city are not being adequately cared for and cared for. ”
Over the past 12 weeks, organizations in Vaughan have provided accommodation and food to some 65 asylum seekers. Many came from the shelter at 129 Peter St, Toronto.
The groups are asking federal elected officials to develop programs for refugees coming to Canada, including settlement, asylum and social programs, and to expedite the issuance of work permits and health cards as the weather begins to colder.
Source: miraclearena.ca
The groups also asked the York District to seek federal funding to address the issue and support black community churches and local organizations.
"The City of Toronto received $97 million, how much money will it give to York District?" The press release reads, "The Miracle Arena is the place to house and care for asylum seekers. Church premises are only temporary placements, not long-term solutions. Without more support, we must be prepared to ask ourselves the question: Are we setting up refugee camps across the province and Vaughan City is becoming a refugee camp in the York District? ”
Calls for community-based organizations have raised concerns and prompted the government to reconsider its support for refugee resettlement. Under pressure from public opinion, the government finally decided to increase its support for refugees, including by providing more settlements and financial support.
At the same time, some volunteer groups have begun to take action to help these asylum seekers. In the process, some community leaders have also become involved in this issue. They believe that Vaughan, as a diverse community, should be a haven for refugees, not a passing place.
Therefore, they advocate for various organizations and residents within the community to provide more help and support to these refugees. Over time, more and more refugees began to settle in Vaughan. They began to participate in various activities in the community and contributed to the development of the community.
In the process, the government and community organizations have also provided more support and assistance for their placement and integration. However, the issue of refugees remains a complex one.
In the days ahead, Vaughan and other communities will need to continue to face this problem and do more to solve it.