The discrepancy between Canada’s treatment of Ukrainian and Palestinian refugees shows a country without a sense of moral courage
Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was an incredible show of compassion towards a nation facing an extraordinary threat to its livelihood and safety. Less than a month after the invasion, parliament approved a recommendation by the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration and launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on March 17. It allowed any Ukrainian national, regardless of ties to Canada, to enter the country for up to three years as a temporary resident.
The program provided financial support, health care, and job opportunities to Ukrainians seeking refuge. On May 11, the government announced that it would provide three charter flights, free of charge, for holders of the CUAET visa. Under a separate program introduced on May 22, the Canada-Ukraine Transitional Assistance Initiative further supported Ukrainian refugees by providing each adult $3,000 and each child $1,500. Provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario waived health insurance plan requirements, and Manitoba covered the cost of medical examinations upon arrival.
Ukrainian citizens who were seeking temporary refuge from the war. From March 2022 to April 2024, 962,612 applications were approved, with a total of 298,128 Ukrainians arriving in Canada. These refugees were provided with a clear pathway to employment, access to health care, and, in many cases, a sense of immediate belonging. This swift action is commendable and speaks to Canada’s potential to act decisively when faced with humanitarian crises.
My mom, who was raised in Odesa, Ukraine, personally knows several people who have greatly benefited from the CUAET program and Canada’s humanitarian assistance. For many, it was an immense sigh of relief after months of relentless Russian attacks, finally being able to find peace in a country that not only welcomed them but provided the resources needed to rebuild their lives.
Canada’s swift and compassionate response to their struggles offered them a future they thought had been lost in the chaos of war. For these families, the transition to Canada wasn’t just about escaping the violence but about finding hope and stability in the face of their unimaginable hardships.
This sense of urgency and compassion has been visibly absent when it comes to Palestinian refugees fleeing the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Despite facing decades of displacement, ongoing conflict, and severe humanitarian crises, Palestinian refugees encounter significant barriers when seeking refuge in Canada. (more...)
Refugees welcome? Comparing Canadian policy on Palestinian and Ukrainian refugees
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