About 2400 asylum-seekers hosted in Montreal

Photo AFP

QMI agency

Monday, 7 August 2017 18:13

UPDATE
Monday, 7 August 2017 18:22

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MONTREAL – All-about 2400 asylum-seekers are currently distributed in different points of temporary accommodation in Montreal, the government said on in an update of the situation Monday.

According to the ministry of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion, 2388 immigrants are in Montreal, including about 700 at the olympic Stadium, transformed into a welcome center last week. Some 300 asylum seekers were also expected in the former building of the Sisters of Providence of Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Sunday.

This wave of immigration is, above all, due to the massive arrival of haitian immigrants from the United States who cross the frontier illegally, because they fear that their temporary residence permit is not renewed by 2018. Approximately 60 000 people would be concerned for our neighbours to the south.

In a press release, the minister of Immigration, Kathleen Weil, stated that the government has entered into contact with organizations to accelerate access to permanent housing for the immigrants.

The minister Weil also pointed out that Ottawa is committed to the better distribution of immigrants across provinces, depending on the place where they intend to lodge an application for asylum.

“Québec has a solid experience in the field of reception and support and, thanks to the collaboration between all the actors involved, we are able to deal with this humanitarian situation in a responsible and efficient manner,” assured the minister.