The latest salvo in the battle between Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government and the federal Liberals over the costs associated with immigration and refugee claimants comes as Ottawa is set to table its pre-election budget on Tuesday
While the number of asylum seekers has been steadily decreasing over the past few months, the Immigration and Refugee Board – the arm’s-length body that adjudicates refugee claims – has struggled to keep pace with the number of new cases being added to its backlog of files.
Pierre-Olivier Herbert, a spokesman for Mr. Morneau, said the federal government recognizes the importance of proper funding for legal aid. Since 2016, he said, the federal government has increased its contribution for immigration and refugee legal-aid services in six provinces by more than $22-million.
Legal Aid Ontario, which is responsible for providing legal services to low-income Ontarians, estimates it will spend $45-million this year to deliver its immigration and refugee program, which includes IRB hearings and appeals to federal court. But Ms. Mulroney says the federal government is only contributing $16.9-million to the program, “leaving a shortfall of nearly $28-million that the province is expected to subsidize to support matters of federal jurisdiction.
The report said Legal Aid Ontario has “faced challenges managing the increase in refugee and immigration cases without a known increase of funding from the federal government," noting that Ontario receives a lower federal funding portion than other provinces.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
B.C. legal-aid lawyers vow to withdraw services over lack of fundingOverwhelming majority of industry group’s membership votes to limit or suspend efforts as pay has not increased in more than a decade
Read more »
Wild salmon restoration fund unveiled by B.C., federal governmentsB.C. Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund to be open to conservation, Indigenous and research groups.
Read more »
Federal government, Yukon sign 10-year deal pledging millions for community housingA Yukon government release says the almost $60-million will be used to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, as well as support the territory’s priorities related to housing repair, construction and affordability
Read more »
United Nations seeking billions of dollars in aid for victims, refugees of Syrian warThe UN is seeking $3.3-billion for people there and $5.5-billion for refugees in the region. There are 11.7 million people still needing emergency aid in Syria
Read more »
Ontario beer fest to have a pot patio, and it’s completely legal to get high hereOntario beer fest to have a pot patio, and it's completely legal to get high here via TheGrowthOp
Read more »
Ontario PCs Promise Funding As More Students With Autism Enter SchoolsA clarification: A previous version of this story referred to 'extra' and 'additional' funding promised by Ontario's government. It's been updated to reflect that the funding for children with autism is the same as the funding available for any child.
Read more »
Ontario PCs Promise Extra Funds As More Students With Autism Enter SchoolsSchool boards will get an average of $12,300 for each new student with autism entering the system this year.
Read more »
B.C.'s legal aid lawyers vote to strikeNearly all of those who voted were in favour of job action.
Read more »
New Ontario Autism Plan Makes Funding Crisis Worse: School Board OfficialSchool boards already overspend their special education budgets, and now costs are expected to go up.
Read more »