An opinion piece argues that Canada is failing to uphold its promise to help Palestinians in Gaza, despite launching a "special measures" visa program a year ago. While a similar program successfully brought 300,000 Ukrainians to Canada, not a single Gazan has been evacuated through the Canadian government's pathway, leaving over 7,500 Canadian families awaiting word. The authors, descendants of refugees, criticize Canada's inaction, blaming logistical hurdles and comparing it to historical discriminatory immigration policies. They urge the government to show political will, citing examples of European countries and France's successful evacuation programs.
Opinion: Canada needs to follow through on its promise to help people in Gaza
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️An opinion piece argues that Canada is failing to uphold its promise to help Palestinians in Gaza, despite launching a "special measures" visa program a year ago. While a similar program successfully brought 300,000 Ukrainians to Canada, not a single Gazan has been evacuated through the Canadian government's pathway, leaving over 7,500 Canadian families awaiting word. The authors, descendants of refugees, criticize Canada's inaction, blaming logistical hurdles and comparing it to historical discriminatory immigration policies. They urge the government to show political will, citing examples of European countries and France's successful evacuation programs.
Trending- 1 2022: Canadian government launched a temporary visa program for Ukrainian nationals.
- 2 2024: Canada created a “special measures” visa program for Palestinians in Gaza.
- 3 Last month (June 2025): Leger poll conducted.
- 4 April and May (current year): France’s program evacuated almost 200 people from Gaza.
- 5 July 15 (current year): Palestinian-Canadian families and their friends will gather for sit-ins.
- 6 Ongoing: Over 7,500 Canadians have applied to get family out of Gaza.
- Continued suffering and deaths of Palestinians in Gaza
- Families separated
- Erosion of trust in Canadian government
- Ethical failing and violation of international humanitarian law by Canada
- Potential for more restrictive immigration policies (Bill C-2)
- Inability of students/scholars to pursue education/work
What: Canada's failure to effectively implement its "special measures" visa program for Palestinians in Gaza, leading to zero evacuations through the government pathway despite promises and urgent humanitarian need.
When: July 15 (sit-ins planned), last month (Leger poll), 2022 (Ukrainian visa program launched), within two years (300,000 Ukrainians arrived), 2024 (Gaza "special measures" visa program announced), one year after announcement (no evacuations), April and May (France's evacuation program).
Where: Canada (coast to coast, Saskatoon), Gaza, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, United States, Europe, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Australia, France, Jerusalem, Washington.
Why: Canadian government's inaction and blaming of logistical hurdles (e.g., biometric ID checks); alleged lack of political will; historical discriminatory border policies; Canada's ongoing military and diplomatic support to Israel contributing to conditions in Gaza.
How: Launching a "special measures" visa program that is functionally ineffective; Palestinian-Canadian families navigating onerous documentation processes; grassroots efforts to assist Palestinians being thwarted; proposed Bill C-2 ("Strong Borders Act") to restrict immigration; other countries (European, US, France) successfully evacuating Gazans.