Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has proposed a potential two percent increase in property taxes to address the rising costs associated with housing asylum seekers in the city’s shelter system. This tax hike would be in addition to any previously planned increases. Chow's proposal comes amid a significant rise in the number of asylum claimants, who currently make up nearly half of the shelter population in Toronto, displacing many traditional homeless individuals.

Chow has indicated that if the federal government does not provide additional funding, the city may have no choice but to raise taxes. Critics argue that this approach is not the right solution to the ongoing crisis. They emphasize that the burden should not fall on taxpayers, as the situation is largely a result of policies beyond the city’s control.

While Chow does not have direct influence over federal refugee policies, some suggest that she could reconsider Toronto's sanctuary city policy, enacted in 2013. This policy was designed to ensure that residents without legal status could access basic city services. However, critics argue that it has contributed to the current challenges faced by the shelter system.

The sanctuary city policy was initially framed as a way to support individuals who entered Canada through legal channels but were awaiting the resolution of their immigration status. A city report from that time noted that most undocumented individuals had entered the country legally, either as refugee claimants or with valid visas. However, the landscape has changed significantly since then.

Since 2017, there has been a notable increase in the number of people crossing into Canada illegally, many of whom have settled in cities like Toronto and Montreal. This surge has been partly attributed to misinformation from public figures, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose 2017 social media post suggested that Canada had open borders.

Critics of the sanctuary city policy argue that it sends mixed signals about immigration and asylum. They contend that while it is humane to provide emergency services to those without proper documentation, celebrating undocumented residents can encourage illegal immigration. For instance, Toronto hosts an Undocumented Residents Day at City Hall, which some view as promoting illegal residency.

The confusion surrounding immigration terminology is also a concern. Politicians and media often conflate asylum claimants, refugees, and undocumented immigrants, which can mislead the public and undermine the experiences of those who immigrated to Canada legally. It is important to note that asylum claimants have not yet been granted refugee status, and data shows that a significant portion of their applications are ultimately rejected.

As the city grapples with these complex issues, the debate continues over how best to manage the influx of asylum seekers and the impact on Toronto's shelter system. Mayor Chow's proposed tax increase and the future of the sanctuary city policy remain key points of discussion as the city seeks solutions to this ongoing challenge.