NDP reaction to new immigration measures for Canadians' and permanent residents' relatives in Gaza

NDP critic for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East):

“New Democrats welcome this long overdue announcement by the federal government to enact temporary immigration measures that will help reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their extended family members currently in Gaza. Families have been waiting for this day for too long.

The NDP has called for urgent action from the Liberal government to ensure loved ones of Canadian citizens and permanent residents are reunited with their families here in Canada, away from the violence and threats to their lives.

On December 4th, New Democrats stood alongside Palestinian-Canadian family members and community organizations to call on the Liberal government to immediately enact these measures to facilitate the evacuation of immedidate and extended family members of Canadians and permanent residents in Gaza as existing policy defined family extremely narrowly. The call was reiterated in an open letter to the prime minister, Minister of Immigration, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, signed by all New Democrat Members of Parliament.

As more than two million people remain trapped under the devastating siege, many Canadians have been enduring daily distress that is beyond comprehension.

Many Palestinian-Canadian families like the Kouta family from London, Ontario are currently stranded in Gaza. Despite the dire risk to their lives, the brothers have been denied the right to exit Gaza. Mohammed Kouta asks, “Is there hope or am I waiting for my death?”

Civilian life is at imminent risk from indiscriminate bombing and starvation. The United Nations Secretary-General has referred to Gaza as a ‘graveyard for children’. Reuniting families with their loved ones in Canada is the right thing to do.

The NDP will continue to advocate for peace and safety for all Israelis and Palestinians and listen to their voices in our communities.”