40+ LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS CONCERNED OVER CLOSURE OF IRCC ASYLUM CENTRE IN CORNWALL

More time is needed for the 500+ Asylum Seekers needing to be rehoused
Cornwall, Ontario, Over 60 community members from 43 local organizations from education, health, employability, non-profit, and businesses sectors met to discuss the imminent closure of the IRCC Asylum Centre in Cornwall at the Dev Centre on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. While various organizations have different concerns about the impact of this, the consensus was that more time is needed for this transition.

In a letter drafted by the United Way Centraide SDG, Senator Bernadette Clement, ACFO SDG and co-signed by 15 local organizations to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Sean Fraser, and Treasury Board President Anita Anand, a 60-day extension to the housing expiry was requested. This extra time is critical to give the asylum seekers who have started to rebuild their lives in this area more time to find housing and for local employers who are concerned by the rapid loss of jobs in such a short period of time.

At the beginning of July, approximately 533 asylum seekers residing at the Dev Hotel in Cornwall, Ontario were given less than 30 days of notice to vacate by August 1st, 2024. It was later disclosed that those who do not find accommodations will be moved to other locations in Ontario.
Over 200 of the asylum seekers have employment in Cornwall. If they cannot find housing, they will be moved to a new region in Ontario where they will need to start their life again. Children of some of these families are enrolled in school in this area. They have made friends and become familiar with the teachers and their surroundings. These children might also be uprooted and moved to another location, also needing to start all over again.

“The Cornwall community has stepped up to the plate” says former Cornwall mayor and now senator, Bernadette Clement, “over these last two years, often with limited resources and in partnership with residents, the City and local organizations have been helping the asylum seekers to feel welcome, to find work and housing, and to contribute to our community.”

Our community organizations strongly urge the IRCC to reconsider this end date. As Canada faces a country-wide housing shortage, it is nearly impossible to find accommodation within 30 days. Asylum seekers have faced many hardships and have had to leave their home countries for various reasons and sadly, they now face more instability.

“Our clients are mainly concerned about their uncertain immigration status, fear of homelessness, access to essential services, and lack of adequate support. The community worries about the impact on social cohesion and integration of vulnerable newcomers. This 40+ LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS CONCERNED OVER CLOSURE OF IRCC ASYLUM CENTRE IN CORNWALL
More time is needed for the 500+ Asylum Seekers needing to be rehoused
Cornwall, Ontario, Over 60 community members from 43 local organizations from education, health, employability, non-profit, and businesses sectors met to discuss the imminent closure of the IRCC Asylum Centre in Cornwall at the Dev Centre on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. While various organizations have different concerns about the impact of this, the consensus was that more time is needed for this transition.
In a letter drafted by the United Way Centraide SDG, Senator Bernadette Clement, ACFO SDG and co-signed by 15 local organizations to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Sean Fraser, and Treasury Board President Anita Anand, a 60-day extension to the housing expiry was requested. This extra time is critical to give the asylum seekers who have started to rebuild their lives in this area more time to find housing and for local employers who are concerned by the rapid loss of jobs in such a short period of time.
At the beginning of July, approximately 533 asylum seekers residing at the Dev Hotel in Cornwall, Ontario were given less than 30 days of notice to vacate by August 1st, 2024. It was later disclosed that those who do not find accommodations will be moved to other locations in Ontario.
Over 200 of the asylum seekers have employment in Cornwall. If they cannot find housing, they will be moved to a new region in Ontario where they will need to start their life again. Children of some of these families are enrolled in school in this area. They have made friends and become familiar with the teachers and their surroundings. These children might also be uprooted and moved to another location, also needing to start all over again.
“The Cornwall community has stepped up to the plate” says former Cornwall mayor and now senator, Bernadette Clement, “over these last two years, often with limited resources and in partnership with residents, the City and local organizations have been helping the asylum seekers to feel welcome, to find work and housing, and to contribute to our community.”
Our community organizations strongly urge the IRCC to reconsider this end date. As Canada faces a country-wide housing shortage, it is nearly impossible to find accommodation within 30 days. Asylum seekers have faced many hardships and have had to leave their home countries for various reasons and sadly, they now face more instability.
“Our clients are mainly concerned about their uncertain immigration status, fear of homelessness, access to essential services, and lack of adequate support. The community worries about the impact on social cohesion and integration of vulnerable newcomers. This expulsion will have a significant impact, and without additional resources, the community cannot assist asylum seekers. Immigration service providers are limited, and community agencies are overwhelmed and underfunded. This situation could increase precariousness, isolation, and social tensions in Cornwall,” says Sonia Anaïs Behilil, Directrice Générale / Executive Director of ACFO SDG