Municipal Law / Human Rights / Immigration Law

In a significant legal development, the City of Toronto is facing a $50 million class action lawsuit filed by refugee claimants and asylum seekers. The lawsuit alleges that the city’s decision to deny shelter beds to refugees during the summer of 2023 violated their rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Background

In December 2024, the Ontario Ombudsman released a report criticizing the City of Toronto’s policy of redirecting refugee claimants to federal programs instead of providing them with municipal shelter beds. The report described the city’s actions as a “failure of process” that had “profound real-life consequences” for the affected individuals.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers (CARL) expressed disappointment over the city’s failure to act on the Ombudsman’s recommendations, which included addressing systemic racism and ensuring equitable access to shelter services for refugees. (ccla.org)

Legal Claims

The class action lawsuit, filed in June 2025, seeks $50 million in damages on behalf of the affected refugee claimants. The plaintiffs allege that the city’s denial of shelter beds was discriminatory and contrary to their rights under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The lawsuit also highlights concerns about systemic racism, as many of the affected individuals were from African countries or of African descent. (ccla.org)

Legal Implications

This case raises important questions about the obligations of municipalities to provide shelter and services to refugee claimants. It also underscores the need for public institutions to ensure that their policies and practices comply with human rights standards and do not discriminate against vulnerable populations.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for municipal liability and the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Canada.

Conclusion

The $50 million class action lawsuit against the City of Toronto highlights critical issues related to refugee rights, municipal responsibilities, and human rights compliance. Legal professionals and public institutions will be closely monitoring the developments of this case, as it may set important precedents for future policies and legal frameworks concerning refugees in Canada.