Canada failing its pledge to help evacuate Palestinians from Gaza, families say

Speakers described losing family members and of horrific conditions as the conflict approaches its two-year anniversary.

As Israel prepares to step up the conflict in Gaza, advocates rallied in Vancouver in an effort to press the federal government to speed up efforts to help Palestinians reunite with family members in Canada.

Demonstrators gathered outside the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offices on Hornby Street, where they accused Ottawa of falling short of its promises to help those facing starvation and violence in Gaza.

Speakers described losing family members and horrific conditions as the conflict approaches its two-year anniversary.

Ottawa announced in December 2023 it would accept 7,500 Palestinians from Gaza who have families in Canada, with a program offering work and study permits and temporary residence status, said Nariman Ajjur.

But despite applicants being cleared for eligibility and passing security and background checks, Canada appears unwilling to act swiftly the way it did to welcome Ukrainian refugees, she said.

“But almost two years now, the reality is starkly different. Zero evacuation have been directly facilitated by Canada. Through this program, fewer than 1,000 Palestinians have made it to Canada, most having to risk everything to escape on their own, and paying bribes to companies in Egypt,” she said.

“Meanwhile, Canada has processed over 8,000 visas for Israelis and welcomed more than 298,000 Ukrainians.”

Advocates for Palestinians have been staging sit-ins outside IRCC offices across the country for weeks, demanding the evacuation of family members and loved ones.