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e-4319 (Citizenship and immigration)

E-petition
Initiated by Alper Kirtil from Whitby, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Whereas:
  • The earthquakes of 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude in Türkiye on February 6, 2023, left behind over 15,000 unusable residential buildings, most of them collapsed and, tragically, over 40,000 lives have been lost, and more than 150,000 people injured;
  • The total affected size of the region is from Windsor to Ottawa, and the affected population is almost 15 million; and
  • The growing Turkish diaspora with over 150,000 people have family members who are injured, lost their homes and have no place to say.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, colleagues and friends of Turkish people, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to
1. Create a special visa program that would allow the family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Türkiye to reunite with their loved ones in Canada after the two devastating earthquakes. This would provide them with the necessary support and stability to cope with the aftermath of the earthquake; and
2. Expedite the processing of family reunification applications for the primary applicants who live in the earthquake zone. This would greatly aid in the timely reunification of families and provide much-needed support in these trying times.
We understand the importance of maintaining a rigorous immigration process, but in this case, a humanitarian approach is crucial to assist those in need. The creation of this special visa program and the expedited processing of applications would not only bring comfort to these families but also demonstrate Canada's commitment to supporting those affected by natural disasters.

Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

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

The Government of Canada understands the serious toll the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria have taken on those who live in the affected areas, and is committed to providing support in these difficult times.

Specifically, Canada has been prioritizing the processing of applications, including family reunification applications, for those that live in the affected regions. This prioritization includes overseas temporary and permanent residence applications from people of any nationality in the affected regions so that they could travel to, or join their loved ones in Canada as quickly as possible. This includes applications from family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as applications for refugee resettlement.

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) also recognizes that some cases may need priority processing. For example, Chairperson Guideline 8: Procedures with Respect to Vulnerable Persons Appearing Before the IRB allows scheduling priority to be given to persons in vulnerable situations, as appropriate. The situation of family members may be a factor in determining a claimant’s vulnerability and in deciding whether priority scheduling should be granted. Beyond Guideline 8, the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB has control over its hearing schedule and can grant scheduling priority on a case-by-case basis. In addition, where possible, refugee claims that are determined to be more straightforward or less complex may be referred to the RPD’s Task Force on Less Complex Claims (TFLCC). Such claims are decided based on a file review (i.e., without a hearing), or through a short hearing if there are one or two determinative issues requiring clarification. Less complex Türkiye files can be, and often are, considered for processing through the TFLCC.

Recently, Canada also announced a number of special immigration measures to support Turkish and Syrian nationals. Turkish and Syrian nationals who are already in Canada to study, work, or visit family can apply to extend their status free of charge, or change their temporary status (for example, visitor to temporary worker). Additionally, recognizing that some Canadian citizens and permanent residents may have lost their travel documents in the earthquakes, the Government of Canada is waiving fees for temporary passports, emergency travel documents, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents, to make it easier for them to return to Canada. Turkish and Syrian national clients who have lost their passports in the earthquakes may also be exempted from the requirement to provide a passport or travel document to be approved for a permanent resident visa to come to Canada. While an additional visa is not being contemplated at this time, these measures are designed to provide support and relief during this difficult time.

A variety of Canadian immigration programs continue to be available for people who qualify, including the family sponsorship program. Canada has a generous family reunification program that allows for the sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children including adopted children, or orphaned relatives under the age of 18. To further help facilitate family reunification, Canada also offers parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents the ability to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and allows extended stays of up to five years at a time. Applications for permanent residence can also be made under humanitarian and compassionate considerations, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Open for signature
February 21, 2023, at 11:11 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
March 23, 2023, at 11:11 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax West)
March 30, 2023 (Petition No. 441-01245)
Government response tabled
May 15, 2023
Photo - Lena Metlege Diab
Halifax West
Liberal Caucus
Nova Scotia