To:
The Honourable Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
The Honourable Premiers of All Canadian Provinces and Territories

Subject: Request to Allow Families of Children with Disabilities to Sponsor Adult Relatives for Daily Care and Support

We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to request compassionate changes to Canada’s immigration policies to support families raising children with disabilities.

Many parents of children with disabilities face extreme daily challenges. These children require constant supervision, emotional support, medical care, and assistance with daily living. Without extended family support in Canada, parents are often forced to leave their jobs or are unable to work at all. This creates financial hardship, emotional stress, and negatively affects the well-being of the entire family.

Many families do not seek financial assistance from the government. Instead, seeking permission to bring a trusted adult family member—such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other close relative—to Canada to provide daily care and emotional support. In many cultures, caregiving is shared within the family, and the absence of this support places an unbearable burden on parents.

Allowing adult relatives to provide care would:
 • Enable parents to return to work and contribute to the economy
 • Reduce caregiver burnout and mental health stress
 • Improve the quality of life for children with disabilities
 • Reduce long-term dependence on public services
 • Strengthen family stability and inclusion

We respectfully request that IRCC and provincial governments:
 1. Create or expand a compassionate immigration pathway for families of children with disabilities to sponsor adult relatives for caregiving purposes
 2. Consider flexible eligibility criteria recognizing the unique needs of these families
 3. Acknowledge caregiving by family members as an essential form of support

Canada is known for its values of compassion, inclusion, and fairness. Supporting families with children with disabilities by allowing family-based caregiving aligns with these values and strengthens Canadian communities.

We urge you to consider this request with empathy and take meaningful action to support families who are doing their best under challenging circumstances.

Sincerely,
Concerned Parents and Families of Children with Disabilities in Canada