To: Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and Members of Parliament

My name is Numan Tarin, and I serve as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Every day, I speak with families who are enduring heartbreaking situations, families who desperately want to bring their loved ones to safety through the Group of Five (G5) and Community Sponsorship programs.

These programs have long been a symbol of Canada’s compassion, allowing ordinary Canadians, faith groups, friends, neighbours, and communities, to come together to sponsor refugees and give them the chance to live in safety and dignity. But right now, the program is suspended, with reopening delayed until early 2026.

For families living in Tajikistan, Pakistan, Türkiye, and other countries, 2026 feels unbearably far away. Many refugees are in grave danger today. They face threats of deportation, lack of legal status, poverty, violence, and persecution. They cannot safely wait another year. Each week, I receive desperate calls from clients pleading for help, mothers terrified for their children’s safety, fathers separated from their families, and young people at risk of being returned to a country where their lives are in danger.

This is not simply about paperwork or timelines. It is about human lives. It is about families who deserve the chance to live free of fear. It is about Canada living up to its values of compassion, dignity, and leadership in refugee protection.

Delaying the reopening of G5 and Community Sponsorship until 2026 means prolonging suffering, prolonging separation, and prolonging danger. We cannot allow families to remain trapped in limbo while communities in Canada stand ready and eager to welcome them.

We, the undersigned, urgently call upon the Government of Canada to:

Reopen the Group of Five and Community Sponsorship programs immediately, or at the earliest possible date well before 2026.
Recognize the urgent humanitarian crises unfolding in Tajikistan, Pakistan, Türkiye, and other regions, where deportations and deteriorating conditions put refugees at imminent risk.
Empower Canadians, who are already willing and prepared, to take part in sponsorship efforts now, not years from now.
Reaffirm Canada’s humanitarian commitments and reputation as a global leader in refugee protection.
By reopening these programs sooner, Canada will save lives, reunite families, and give communities the opportunity to embody the very best of Canadian values.

We believe in Canada’s leadership, compassion, and ability to respond in times of crisis. We urge you to act with urgency and heart.

Please do not make vulnerable families wait until 2026. The time to act is now.

Sincerely,

Numan Tarin
On behalf of countless families, communities, and Canadians who stand ready to help