The funding provided to strengthen the process of claiming asylum in Canada is related to the ministerial reviews and interventions pilot program established in 2012. It provides funding for the department to support the strategic objective of refugee reform. It was undertaken at the time to deter abuse and protect the integrity of Canada's refugee protection system. It's the continuation of ongoing funding that was provided at that time on a pilot basis and has now been made a permanent feature.
On December 7th, 2017. See this statement in context.