Toronto moves closer to becoming ‘sanctuary city’ for undocumented workers

TORONTO – City councillors have asked staff to review how government services can be extended to undocumented workers in Toronto.

City services are currently open to undocumented workers but according to a city report, many tend to fear deportation as a result of accessing those government services.

The recommendation for a review comes after a long and, at times, impassioned debate.

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In the end, council agreed to request staff to review ways to “improve access without fear”.

A background report on the issue, provided to city council Thursday, stated that undocumented workers “suffer from high levels of anxiety, depression, chronic stress and stress-related physical illnesses,” as well as “feelings of worthlessness, fear of deportation, distrust of authority, isolation from family separation and a sense of disconnection from society.”

The report will come back to city council later this year, and if they choose to accept it, the city will be the first city in Canada to officially provide services to undocumented residents.