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e-4905 (Citizenship and immigration)

E-petition
Initiated by Ayako Gallagher from Richmond, British Columbia

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:
  • The 1000 applicant cap on Palestinians in Gaza is discriminatory when compared to the Canada-Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel (CUAET) granted to Ukrainians fleeing similar atrocities since 2022;
  • The extensive and invasive application requirements are impractical for those who are facing the current atrocities and inequitable compared to Ukranians;
  • Failure to provide clear updates on the Palestinian visa program has led to confusion for applicants, their families and potential future applicants; and
  • There are Canadian citizens in Gaza that urgently require evacuation.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to:
1. Remove the 1000 applicant cap and implement a visa program akin to CUAET for Palestinians.;
2. Commit to implementing the NDP motion, Vote No. 658, section: “(g) ensuring Canadians in Gaza can seek refuge in Canada and expanding access to temporary resident visas.”;
3. Address discriminatory application requirements to ensure fairness and equity;
4. Increase diplomatic efforts to negotiate with Israel for the safe evacuation of Canadian citizens and their families from Gaza and the West Bank;
5. Improve transparency through a clear public statement outlining procedures, processes, and notification timelines for current applicants awaiting claim codes;
6. Remove the barrier disqualifying Palestinians who escaped to Egypt before commencing the application process; and
7. Give priority to evacuating women, children, and the elderly.
Open for signature
April 5, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
May 5, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (EDT)
Photo - Parm Bains
Steveston—Richmond East
Liberal Caucus
British Columbia