Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Minister and officials, for appearing before the committee.
In November 2023, I was with the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, as she announced funding of $7 million for Peel Region towards opening a new reception centre for asylum seekers. This funding is absolutely crucial for Peel Region and the City of Brampton and to ensure that asylum seekers have a safe and warm place to sleep at night. It has saved and will save lives.
The mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, even went as far as to say, “credit where credit is due. [The Government of Canada] stepped up.”
Minister, could you please tell the committee how the federal government has been providing funding to Peel Region and other provinces and municipalities across the country to support the housing needs of asylum seekers?