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441-02483 (Citizenship and immigration)

Paper petition

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Whereas:

  • The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is a grave violation of international law and has displaced millions of Ukrainians;
  • Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) measures were in place to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible;
  • The CUAET application stream is now closed as of July 15, 2023;
  • The recent pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainian families announced on October 23, 2023, excludes many Ukrainians who came to Canada under the CUAET who do not have family residing in Canada; and
  • Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the rule of law and respect for human rights and democracy, and has a strong tradition of welcoming refugees;

Therefore:

  • We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada to make available a specialized permanent residency pathway for Ukrainians currently in Canada under CUAET provisions that does not require them to have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member in Canada.

Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.

As Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine persists, Canada continues to adapt its response to help those fleeing violence.

Since its launch in March 2022, the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) has provided temporary safe haven to over 248,000 Ukrainians through a special, temporary residence pathway. While the program was initially designed to run for one year, overseas application intake was extended until July 15, 2023 in response to Russia’s continued aggression. All Ukrainians and their family members who are in Canada as temporary residents can access free settlement services until March 31, 2025.

On October 23, 2023, the Government launched a special family reunification pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainian family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This builds on Canada’s commitment to help keep families together and allow Ukrainian nationals to build their lives in Canada with the support of their family.

Ukrainians are able to apply for other permanent residence pathways, as applicable. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a number of existing economic pathways that support transitions from temporary to permanent residence. The extended visit, work and study status offered by CUAET, as well as access to settlement services, will help those seeking to transition through these programs.

The Government of Canada continues to monitor the situation and to adapt our response to meet the needs of those fleeing Russia’s illegal invasion. Any new developments would be communicated publicly.

Presented to the House of Commons
Tracy Gray (Kelowna—Lake Country)
May 24, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02483)
Government response tabled
July 17, 2024
Photo - Tracy Gray
Kelowna—Lake Country
Conservative Caucus
British Columbia

41 signatures

Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.