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Press Release
CONSULATE GENERAL FACILITATES DIALOGUE ON HOUSING OPTIONS FOR NEWCOMERS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS THROUGH A FORUM IN COLLABORATION WITH UPAAT
2024-02-09
Consul General Angelica C. Escalona giving her welcome remarks during the forum
03 February 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto partnered with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in Toronto (UPAAT) on a forum on housing options for newcomers and international students.
Consul General Angelica Escalona noted that housing has become a serious concern for Filipino international students and newcomers as they juggle adjusting to life in Canada, their studies, work and looking after the needs of their families. She added that, the Consulate General is closely working with Canadian officials, non-profit groups, the Filipino community and Filipino student groups to help address the concerns of international students.
In a recorded video message for the forum, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow emphasized that housing is a top priority of her administration, which has plans for building 65,000 affordable rent-controlled homes and is improving protections for renters. “In recent years, many Toronto homes are becoming more and more expensive. The city is working hard to keep people housed,” Mayor Chow remarked.
Other speakers during the forum include Toronto City Councillor Alejandra Bravo, who is the Chair of the Economic Development Committee and participated online via Zoom. She highlighted the importance of the involvement of the community in conveying to the city government their concerns and recommended solutions.
Participants and speakers during the forum
Resource speakers Ms. Stella Zuidervliet and Mr. Ivan Guarin of the non-profit Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA) presented an overview of the challenges encountered by newcomers and available support programs for housing.
Mr. Steven Li of the Community Legal Clinic of York Region discussed the rights and responsibilities of tenants under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
Mr. Yuri Ching, a realtor, explained the process of buying a home in Canada and available support programs that may help newcomers.
The forum participants agreed on the need for continued dialogue among stakeholders to address the housing concerns of newcomers and international students.
Around 50 participants attended the forum, which is the second in a series of workshops organized by the Consulate General and UPAAT to help address concerns of the Filipino community. END