Petition Statement:

 

We, the undersigned, call upon Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller to take immediate action to reunite Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their family members who are stranded in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. In 2023, hundreds of individuals have been separated from their loved ones in a region where the safety and security situation has deteriorated to an unbearable point. We cannot stand by while families suffer in anguish, longing for the comforting embrace of their dear ones, or dreaming of a safe playground free from the scars of war. These are sisters and brothers whose dreams of building lives together have been shattered.

 

Background:

 

The current conditions in Gaza constitute a dire humanitarian crisis, which compounds existing vulnerabilities and is likely to lead to further suffering, loss of livelihoods, and increased vulnerability. The daily reality for those in Gaza includes shortages of essential necessities such as food, fuel, clean water, and medicine. The extensive damage to infrastructure and the traumatic experiences, especially for children and young couples, further compound their hardships. This is an untenable situation for those who should be living safe and fulfilling lives.

 

Furthermore, the fragile security situation in Gaza is a grave concern, acknowledged by the Government of Canada. The potential for further deterioration of the security situation is ever-present, and this poses a severe risk to the safety and well-being of those residing there.

 

Our Call to Action:

 

We urge Minister Marc Miller to urgently enact special immigration measures to facilitate the reunification of Canadian citizens and permanent residents with their family members from Gaza. This includes, but is not limited to, the blanket issuance of Early Entrance Temporary Resident Permits or Temporary Resident Visas.

 

Canada has a history of implementing such measures in response to humanitarian crises. Most recently, IRCC introduced a temporary residence public policy for in-Canada families of the victims of the Ukraine war.

In 2019, Canada granted Early Entrance Temporary Resident Permits to individuals and children who fled Gaza. We believe that the Minister should immediately implement whatever measures are necessary to issue early entrance temporary resident permits or temporary resident visas to facilitate family reunification.

 

While the numbers of those who would benefit from such measures may be modest, the positive difference it will make in their lives is immeasurable. We call upon the Minister to demonstrate Canada's commitment to humanitarian values and the principle of family reunification by taking swift action.

 

Conclusion:

 

Reuniting in-Canada citizens and permanent residents with their parents and siblings facing dire circumstances in Gaza is an embodiment of the compassion and empathy that Canada has shown during past humanitarian crises. We believe that through collective action, we can provide a lifeline of hope and safety to those who desperately need it.

 

Sign this petition to support the urgent reunification of Canadian families with their loved ones in Gaza, and let us show that compassion knows no boundaries.