On IHAP & Bills C-2 and C-12

IHAP

• The Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP) was created in 2019 to support provinces and municipalities facing increased numbers of refugee claimants requiring emergency shelter.
• IHAP is a federal program that provides funding for refugee claimant shelter, as immigration is a federal responsibility under the Constitution.
• In August 2025, IRCC offered 39% of the requests to invest in lower-cost shelter options and move away from costly hotels.
• If accepted, the City of Toronto would be unable to proceed with 250 planned small-scale refugee shelter spaces.
• If the City cannot find the funds elsewhere, it may need to close shelter spaces, meaning more people will be sleeping outside.

Bills C-2 and C-12

• Bill C-2, also known as the “Strong Borders Act”, was introduced to the House of Commons in June 2025.
• Bill C-12 was proposed in October 2025 as a proposed adjustment to certain aspects of Bill C-2. It introduces:
  • a strict timeline to start the refugee claimant process (1 year),
  • restrictions on people’s ability to claim asylum who travel through the US to Canada,
  • threatens privacy protections for vulnerable communities,
  • and gives the government the authority to enforce mass deportations without due process.
• Current & former residents, staff, volunteers, or supporters of RH could face a sudden negative change in their immigration status.

CALL TO ACTION

Contact Your Member of Parliament (MP)

Your MP has the power to challenge legislation like Bill C-2/12, advocate for restored IHAP funding, and demand transparency from IRCC.

Find out how : https://migrantrights.ca/actionslist/c12mpcall/

When writing or calling, emphasize:

• Opposition to clauses in Bill C-12 that remove due process and restrict access to refugee protection.
• The need for full federal cost-sharing for refugee claimant housing.