Apr
Action Alert #36
Demand Government Revise & Expand Temporary Visa Program for Palestinian Refugees
A new federal petition, e-4905c, is available to urge our government to revise and expand the current Temporary Visa Program for Palestinians trying to escape the genocide.
The petition is sponsored by Parm Bains, MP Steveston—Richmond East
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Whereas:
The 1000 applicant cap on Palestinians in Gaza is discriminatory when compared to the Canada-Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel (CUAET) granted to Ukrainians fleeing similar atrocities since 2022;
The extensive and invasive application requirements are impractical for those who are facing the current atrocities and inequitable compared to Ukrainians;
Failure to provide clear updates on the Palestinian visa program has led to confusion for applicants, their families and potential future applicants; and
There are Canadian citizens in Gaza that urgently require evacuation.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to:
1. Remove the 1000 applicant cap and implement a visa program akin to CUAET for Palestinians.;
2. Commit to implementing the NDP motion, Vote No. 658, section: “(g) ensuring Canadians in Gaza can seek refuge in Canada and expanding access to temporary resident visas.”;
3. Address discriminatory application requirements to ensure fairness and equity;
4. Increase diplomatic efforts to negotiate with Israel for the safe evacuation of Canadian citizens and their families from Gaza and the West Bank;
5. Improve transparency through a clear public statement outlining procedures, processes, and notification timelines for current applicants awaiting claim codes;
6. Remove the barrier disqualifying Palestinians who escaped to Egypt before commencing the application process; and
7. Give priority to evacuating women, children, and the elderly.
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Once submitted, Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is legally obliged to provide a public response on why he will or will not take up these demands.
Take Action
- Sign Petition here
Creation Date of Action Alert: Apr 22, 2024
This campaign is organized by House of Commons Petition.