Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge the member's interest and advocacy on behalf of his riding.
The government is committed to ensuring that newcomers have the access to the essential services that they need as quickly as possible. As a result, a pilot project in Ontario has been started.
As of December 1, all refugee claimants will receive documentation at the ports of entry. This should ensure and speed access to the important public services that they need, be they the federal interim health plan, rental housing or other social services.
This is good for refugee claimants. It is also good for the people in our municipalities—