1. African-Canadian groups call for action after death of Kenyan asylum seeker at Mississauga shelter
2. African-Canadian organizations demand change following death of Kenyan asylum seeker at Mississauga shelter.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

African-Canadian Advocates Call for National Action Following Tragic Death of Kenyan Asylum Seeker in Greater Toronto Area

African-Canadian organizations and advocates are rallying together to demand national action in response to the recent death of Delphina Ngigi, a 46-year-old mother from Kenya, who tragically passed away just hours after arriving at a shelter in the Greater Toronto Area.

Speaking at a news conference in Mississauga, Pastor Eddie Jjumba of the Milliken Wesleyan Methodist Church shared the heartbreaking details of Ms. Ngigi’s ordeal. He revealed that she arrived in Canada alone, seeking asylum, and sought shelter at the Dundas Shelter in Mississauga. However, she was initially turned away and had to spend hours outdoors before finally being given a chair in the shelter’s lobby.

Reflecting on the devastating outcome, Pastor Jjumba emphasized the critical importance of timely access to emergency services, such as shelter, in preventing tragic incidents like Ms. Ngigi’s death. He highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of asylum seekers in Canada.

Community Outrage and Grief

Joining Pastor Jjumba at the news conference were representatives from Black-led community groups, who expressed their shared outrage and grief over the loss of Ms. Ngigi. The Peel Region, which includes Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon, confirmed that Ms. Ngigi was taken to the hospital from the shelter after experiencing a medical emergency, where she ultimately passed away.

Although the region stated that the death was not deemed suspicious and no police involvement was required, Pastor Jjumba raised concerns about the broader systemic issues that may have contributed to the tragic outcomes for African asylum seekers in the region.

Call for Immediate Action

Highlighting the critical need for immediate action, Pastor Jjumba urged all levels of government to prioritize the well-being of African refugees and address the pressing challenges faced by asylum claimants in the Peel Region. He emphasized that the recent influx of asylum claimants has placed immense pressure on the region’s shelter system, which is currently operating at 383% capacity.

According to a city staff report presented to the Peel Regional council, approximately 1,529 asylum claimants are currently in the region’s shelter system, accounting for 72% of users. The report underscored the urgent need for a sustainable solution to meet the needs of asylum claimants in Peel and beyond.

Government Response and Support

In response to the tragic incident, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada expressed condolences to Ms. Ngigi’s family and highlighted the government’s efforts to provide support for asylum seekers. The federal government allocated $10 million to the Peel Region through the Interim Housing Assistance Program to help provide shelter and services for asylum seekers.

Furthermore, in January, the federal government announced an additional $362.4 million for the program, building on the initial funding of $212 million announced last year. These investments aim to address the growing needs of asylum claimants and support initiatives to improve the overall welfare of refugees in Canada.

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African-Canadian groups call for action after death of Kenyan asylum seeker at Mississauga shelter
African-Canadian groups demand action following death of Kenyan asylum seeker at Mississauga shelter.