By Canadian Press

NDP calls for Canada to bring extended family of Canadians safely out of Gaza

Dec 4, 2023 | 11:02 AM

OTTAWA — The New Democrats are calling for Ottawa to create special immigration measures to help get Canadians’ extended family members out of the Gaza Strip, as it has during other crises in recent years.

Several Canadians whose relatives are struggling to survive in Gaza say they’re losing faith that the federal government will step into to save the lives of their loved ones. 

NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan says Canada has created special rules for Syrian refugees, Afghans and Ukrainians in recent years, and she is calling on the government to do the same for Palestinians.

Canada has brought approximately 600 people through the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, as of the last update from Global Affairs.

The only people who qualify are Canadians, Canadian permanent residents and people who meet the government’s strict definition of an eligible family member, though there have been exceptions. 

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That strict definition does not include parents, siblings, or adult children over the age of 22.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2023.

The Canadian Press