Whereas some local governments in British Columbia have experienced a significant increase in the number of asylum seekers using emergency shelters that are not equipped to handle their unique needs i.e. translation, income and resettlement services, and which reduces the capacity of local shelters to accommodate the growing homeless populations in their communities; And whereas the federal government maintains responsibility for immigration and refugee services, and provides funding to provincial and local governments, on a cost-sharing basis, for the temporary housing costs for asylum seekers; And whereas local governments in BC are not eligible to directly receive this federal funding as the Province runs the shelter system in British Columbia: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call on the Province to develop, co-ordinate and fund new dedicated temporary shelters and appropriate support services for asylum seekers to relieve the pressure on shelters servicing local homeless populations; And be it further resolved that UBCM call on the federal government to provide the Province with the funds necessary to support said temporary shelters and support services in accordance with their responsibility for immigration and refugee services.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills The provincial emergency shelter system is an important part of the homelessness response in BC and is available to anyone experiencing homelessness. There are three types of emergency shelters in BC Permanent shelters are open every night throughout the year and are a permanent resource in communities. Temporary shelters are open every night during winter, and most shelters operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some temporary shelters are seasonal and are open November 1 to March 31 or April 30, while others will remain open longer. Emergency Weather Response shelters provide additional emergency shelter spaces during periods of extreme winter weather from October 15 until April 15. In response to increasing claim volumes, BC launched a new suite of specialized settlement services in April 2024 to address claimants unique vulnerabilities and needs. In addition to settlement, language and trauma services, the new BC Safe Haven program provides housing-related services such as assistance in finding rental housing, understanding tenancy rights, and accessing emergency shelter. The federal government is responsible for managing refugee claims. The Province recognizes the acute pressures faced by BC communities and continues to advocate to the federal government for a coordinated, national approach to ensure that any increase in asylum claims in BC is resourced appropriately.