NDP calls for special immigration measures to evacuate family members of Canadians and permanent residents in Gaza

OTTAWA — On Monday, the NDP called on the Liberals to immediately enact special immigration measures to facilitate the evacuation of extended family members of Canadians and permanent residents in Gaza, as the humanitarian crisis there worsens.

Joined by community organizations and family members desperate to bring their loved ones to safety, the NDP also renewed their call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israel-Palestine to save lives.

“Canadians with loved ones in Gaza have spent many sleepless nights worrying about their families. They’ve endured distress in the past eight weeks watching the humanitarian crisis worsen in Gaza,” said NDP critic for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Jenny Kwan. “The Liberal government must step in and ensure loved ones are reunited with their families here in Canada, away from the violence and threat to their lives. The Australian government has already enacted special immigration measures for those seeking to depart Gaza. Canada must do the same.”

The NDP made the call in an open letter to the Minister of Immigration and the Minister of Foreign affairs. There are two million people that remain trapped in Gaza, trying to survive amid the most unbearable and inhumane conditions. The NDP says there needs to be urgent action to save these lives.

“I have received numerous calls from Canadians worried sick about their relatives in Gaza,” said NDP MP Matthew Green (Hamilton Centre). “This Liberal government must act to ensure people have peace of mind and know that their loved ones are close by and safe. Many Canadians have already lost family members to this violence. The bare minimum this government can do is save those they can now.”