QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition NDP critic for GTA Issues Bhutila Karpoche (Parkdale – High Park) welcomes the Federal government’s announcement for refugee supports, however, is continuing to sound the alarm on Toronto’s financial challenges:
“We are glad to see that the Federal government finally take responsibility at the 11th hour, but the total amount cannot fall short of the $250 million that the city needs to meet its shelter needs.
"The City of Toronto has made their needs clear – $250 million in urgent funding for shelters housing refugees. Canada has rightly provided safety for many across the world escaping war and persecution, but we cannot let chronic underfunding leave refugees out on our streets, without shelter and resources.
"While we wait for the details of this announcement, we hope to see the Federal government answer the city’s call for critical transit funding matching the province’s commitments. The Federal government cannot sidestep their responsibilities, all levels of government need to pay their fair share.”