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e-4140 (Citizenship and immigration)

E-petition
Initiated by Ekaterina Besedina from Saint John, New Brunswick

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Whereas:
  • Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the rule of law, respect for human rights, democracy and principle of personal non-collective responsibility;
  • The decision of the Russian government to invade Ukraine in February 2022 and repressions against people condemning the invasion proved the totalitarian nature of Putin’s regime;
  • Suppression and repression of any expression of dissenting views (including peaceful solo protests and social media posts) in Russia and Belarus increased dramatically over the last several years;
  • Despite unprecedented pressure and literal represessions against the civil society of Russia, thousands of brave and conscientious citizens went to rallies and protests against the regime and war it started;
  • Citizens of Belarus protested and resisted in multiple forms despite thousands of them were imprisoned since events of 2020; and
  • In the meantime, any of pro-Ukrainian actions or support may have severe consequences to the immediate family members of Russian-Canadian volunteers and activists.
We, the undersigned, citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:
1. Allow Russian-Canadian and Belarusian-Canadian residents, regardless of their status in Canada, to invite immediate family members to arrive in Canada and provide them with authorization to work or study in Canada;
2. Provide emergency travel authorization to citizens of Russia and Belarus declaring their anti-war position publicly, and trying to avoid mobilization announced by Russian officials on September 21, 2022;
3. Waive the regular requirements associated with a standard visitor visa or work permit for these individuals and their immediate families;
4. Allow them to apply for provincial medical insurance plans; and
5. Prioritize and fast-track such applications.

Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.

Thank you for your petition on behalf of these courageous individuals.

In February 2022, the Government of Canada introduced the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) to allow Ukrainians and their family members, of any nationality, to come to Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. The Government introduced this special measure to provide a temporary safe harbour for Ukrainians, and their families and was not intended as a replacement to existing programs established under the immigration legislation and regulations.

While Canada applauds the bravery and courage displayed by Russians and Belarussians standing up to the war in Ukraine, the context for these individuals is not the same as that of the Ukrainians fleeing war in their home country.  Existing programs established under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations provide a path for Russians and Belarussians fleeing state persecution that would allow them to apply to come to Canada on a temporary or permanent basis. Therefore, at this time, the Government of Canada is not considering introducing emergency travel measures for this population.

More information on Canada’s established protection programs can be found here: Resettle in Canada as a refugee - Canada.ca. More information on how to apply to come to Canada temporarily to work or study can be found here: Immigration and citizenship - Canada.ca.

Open for signature
October 4, 2022, at 1:51 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
November 3, 2022, at 1:51 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
John Aldag (Cloverdale—Langley City)
November 4, 2022 (Petition No. 441-00837)
Government response tabled
January 30, 2023
Photo - John Aldag
Cloverdale—Langley City
Liberal Caucus
British Columbia