The federal government said it will provide the Peel region with $7 million to help it open a new reception center near Toronto Pearson International Airport for asylum seekers.

Kamall Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, told reporters in Brampton on Friday that the center will offer support and streamlined services to asylum seekers. He made the announcement on behalf of Immigration Minister Mark Miller.

The government also said the center will include temporary shelter for newcomers and will be managed with the help of community organizations.

In July, the government announced it would provide nearly $100 million to Toronto to assist the city under the Temporary Housing Assistance Program to alleviate housing pressures caused by an increase in asylum seekers.

It said, "To that end, we are working with provinces and municipalities to find more sustainable solutions."

Khera’s announcement comes after an asylum seeker, a man in his forties, was found dead in a tent at a camp in Mississauga last week. Khera said this will prevent another tragedy like the one we saw last week.

Also, according to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, the man fled from northern Nigeria and came to Canada seeking a new life. Brown requested federal assistance after the man’s death.

Brown thanked the government on Friday for acting so quickly. He said the shelter will have 800 spaces, and two more shelters will be established within weeks to provide an additional 250 spaces.

Brown also said the additional spaces in the three new shelters will change the dynamics of the homelessness crisis in the Greater Toronto Area.

Brown said that the Government of Canada has ramped up its efforts and the magnitude of this announcement did not escape his notice. The Government of Canada has saved lives and prevented hundreds of potential deaths.

Brown added that it will take a few months before the reception center is opened.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said in a press release on Friday: "The federal government has also provided temporary short-term accommodation to relieve pressure on local shelters. The acquired sites have been modified based on local needs and increasing demands."

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said in a statement that she is pleased that a reception center for refugees and asylum seekers arriving will be established.

Chow said she looks forward to working with the government to ensure that refugees arriving in Toronto have the shelter, housing, and services they need.