Today, leaders of the Black community in Toronto have called on the Canadian government to expedite action for the provision of temporary indoor accommodation for about a hundred Black African refugees living and camping on the sidewalk outside the shelter at Richmond and Peter Streets.
The leaders expressed shock about the continuous poor treatment of the refugees, who have been in this situation for weeks.
More than 10 Black community leaders addressed the press this morning July 17, 2023, at 129 Peter Street.
Among the leaders who spoke during the press conference was Hon. Dr Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons as a Member of Parliament.
Former Minister of Community and Social Services of Ontario, Hon. Zanana Akande, said this did not reflect the Canada she grew up in.
The President of the African Canadian Social Development Council, Kabu Asante said he was saddened and disappointed about the situation of the refugees.
A representative of the Nigerian community in the Greater Toronto Area stated that it is difficult to comprehend why Canadian authorities have been slow to respond to this emergency situation.
The Member of Parliament for Spadina-Fort York, Kevin Vuong, said he is surprised by the reluctant attitude of Canada’s Prime Minister, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the 24 Liberal Members of Parliament from Toronto regarding this pressing issue.
Source: Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto – ON