Petition to the Canadian Government, Prime Minister, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

We, the undersigned citizens, future citizens, and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Canadian government, its Prime Minister, and IRCC to address and reform the current system for bringing the parents of naturalized citizens to Canada. The existing processes are fundamentally flawed, causing significant distress and separation for countless families. We specifically address the issues and propose the following changes:

Current Issues:

• Parent and Grandparent Visa (PGP): The PGP system operates as a de facto lottery, with only approximately 20,000 visas issued annually despite hundreds of thousands of applicants. This system is arbitrary and leaves the majority of applicants with little hope of reuniting with their families in Canada.
• Super Visa: While the Super Visa allows parents to stay for extended periods, it severely restricts their ability to integrate fully. Holders of this visa cannot work, access social services, or open bank accounts, which hampers their independence and ability to contribute to Canadian society.
• Regular Immigration Channels: Regular immigration routes such as Express Entry or work visas are almost impossible for individuals over 50 years old to obtain. This age bias effectively bars many parents from considering these pathways.

Our Demands:

• New Visa Category: Establish a new visa category specifically designed to streamline the arrival of parents of citizens, future citizens, and permanent residents of Canada, ensuring a faster and more efficient process that prioritizes family unity.
• Increase in PGP Quotas: Significantly increase the annual quota for Parent and Grandparent Visas to reflect the high demand and the importance of family reunification.
• Super Visa Enhancements: Amend the Super Visa to allow parents to work, access social services, and open bank accounts, thereby enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives while in Canada.
• Age-Friendly Immigration Pathways: Create or modify existing immigration pathways to be more inclusive of older adults, recognizing their potential contributions and the emotional and social benefits of family reunification.
• Streamlined and Transparent Process: Implement a more streamlined and transparent application process to reduce waiting times and uncertainty, ensuring that families are not left in prolonged states of separation and anxiety.

Conclusion:
The current system imposes undue hardship on families who simply wish to be reunited and live together in Canada. Family unity is a cornerstone of a healthy society, and it is imperative that our immigration policies reflect this value. We urge the Canadian government, its Prime Minister, and IRCC to modernize and humanize the system for bringing the parents of naturalized citizens to Canada. By doing so, Canada can uphold its commitment to being a compassionate and inclusive nation.

We, the undersigned, respectfully request your attention and action on this matter.