.jpg)
Miriam Ghitale, a settlement manager working with immigrants in Manitoba, with the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre, describes a growing crisis as newcomers face impossible choices between housing and basic necessities. Many work minimum-wage jobs while paying exorbitant rents that consume nearly all their income.
"It's quite difficult. People are trying to buy houses because it can be cheaper for them, but right now, most decent apartments are way out of the price range of a lot of newcomers," Ghitale says.
The situation proves particularly dire for temporary residents who don't qualify for rental assistance programs. Ghitale estimates about 50 per cent of the newcomers seeking services at her office lack permanent residency status.
Housing costs drain limited resources
Many newcomers find themselves in modern apartment buildings with high rents simply because those units are most readily available. This leaves little money for other essentials.
"We find they're very low on furniture or food because all of their resources are going into housing payments," Ghitale notes.
While Portage la Prairie remains relatively affordable compared to other Canadian communities, Ghitale explains that even these "cheaper" rents strain newcomer budgets. Some long-time landlords maintain lower rents, but vacancies in those buildings rarely open up.
Related stories:
- Settlement program grows, helping over 1,700 newcomers in 2023/2024
- Newcomers hear first-hand Indigenous perspectives at Portage la Prairie event
Temporary residents face additional barriers
The rental assistance program that could help isn't available to those without permanent resident status.
"It becomes problematic for people who do not fall under that category," Ghitale adds. "Those are often the victims of extreme situations where they're working minimum wage jobs and all their money is going into housing."
Some families have given up on their Canadian dreams entirely. Ghitale has seen cases where newcomers returned to their home countries after determining they could achieve better financial stability elsewhere.
"We've had some people come from Poland in recent years who went back because it was just so much easier financially in Poland than in Canada," she continues.
Few solutions in sight
When asked about potential solutions, Ghitale mentions a possible affordable housing project being developed by PCRC but admits she lacks details. For now, the situation remains bleak for many newcomers trying to establish themselves in Manitoba.
"Immigration is holding a lot of people back from coming," Ghitale says. "There definitely are situations where people have come, especially from European backgrounds, who go back because they felt it was better in their home country."
The settlement manager agrees that personal stories from affected newcomers would help illustrate the crisis but need to consult with colleagues before connecting journalists with willing participants. The situation highlights growing challenges in making Manitoba communities accessible to new Canadians.