Our Mission
Haitians of Toronto exists to support Haitian francophone newcomers and long-time residents by guiding them through settlement needs, connecting them to services, and helping them find meaningful work. We create programs that help families understand Canadian systems, build practical skills, celebrate our culture, and open opportunities for youth. Our mission is to strengthen our community through support, education, and cultural pride.
According to Statistics Canada, the Haitian population in Ontario was recorded at 17,715 residents in the 2016 Census. Based on established settlement patterns showing that approximately 70 percent of Ontario’s Haitian population resides in the Greater Toronto Area, the GTA had an estimated 12,400 Haitian residents in 2016.
Since then, the region has seen consistent and significant growth driven by multiple immigration pathways, including asylum claims, temporary resident permits, family sponsorship, and student and work programs. One of the most impactful contributors has been the Haitian Pathway Program. Between 2023 and 2025, this program approved more than 3,000 Haitian applicants for permanent residency, with an estimated 2,100 of those individuals settling in the GTA based on IRCC resettlement patterns for French-speaking newcomers.
Beyond the Pathway Program, additional arrivals through regular immigration streams and secondary migration from the United States have further increased the population. When these sources are combined, conservative IRCC-aligned projections indicate that approximately 4,225 Haitian newcomers have arrived in the GTA since 2021.
By 2025, the Haitian community in the GTA is now estimated at 24,000 to 25,000 residents, reflecting one of the fastest-growing Black Francophone communities in Ontario. The rapid rise in population highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate, bilingual services and programs that support successful integration, community connection, and anti-racism efforts.
