Canada's parliament proposes easier immigration for Palestinians
The opposition has called for a response to the crisis in the Middle East.
Following a temporary ceasefire and hostage and prisoner exchange, conflict is escalating again in the Middle East. Given the expansion of Israel's ground operation, Canadian parliamentarians have proposed urgent special immigration measures to evacuate Palestinians from the war zone.
The proposal is designed to help reunite Canadians with their family members from Gaza. The evacuation of distant relatives of Canadian citizens and residents in Gaza has been requested by the New Democratic Party. In the House of Commons, its members hold 44 seats out of 338.
Jenny Kwan, the party's designated critic for immigration, refugees and citizenship, articulated this Monday during a press conference — and in an open letter to federal immigration and foreign affairs ministers.
"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. 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."
Kwan noted that the Australian government has already imposed special immigration measures for those who want to leave Gaza, and said Canada should do the same.
New Democratic Party MP Matthew Green added that he receives many images from Canadians concerned about their relatives in Gaza:
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