Despite the horrific devastation and suffering in Gaza, the Canadian government’s actions have fallen far short of its duties to Canadians trying to be reunited with family members trapped in Gaza.

Canada did put in place a “Special Immigration Measure for families in Gaza ”, however, it has been so ineffective that it risks being perceived as diplomatic cover for inaction, rather than as a substantive response to the crisis.

Summary of Results

According to the data available to us from August 2025:

The program has been closed to new applications since reaching its cap of 5,000 individuals. 1,214 applicants (fewer than 25%) have been approved, and fewer than 100 (2%) have been evacuated from Gaza with Canadian Assistance.

3,200 of the applicants remain in Gaza. Over 1000 are in Egypt, some having been in processing limbo for 19 months. Hundreds of individuals are still waiting for final processing or onward movement by the Canadian government, despite having provided needed documents and meeting eligibility requirements.

Canada’s efforts have been put to shame by those of other countries - including the UK , France , Germany , Italy , and Ireland — who have successfully evacuated large numbers of people from Gaza.

In contrast, Canada has already been admirably effective in welcoming nearly 300,000 Ukrainians to Canada, with another 650,000 approved to arrive and no cap on further applications. We welcome the Canadian government’s response to the refugee crisis in Ukraine, but we expect the same level of consideration and equitable treatment for all refugee crises, including Gaza.

Canada Must Do More

More effective evacuations

The circumstances in Gaza are admittedly more difficult than in Ukraine - for instance, Ukraine has not been placed under a total blockade in all directions for two years by its aggressor. But it is precisely because of the extra difficulty, not to mention the sheer urgency of the situation, that Canada must use its considerable resources and influence to overcome the obstacles.

There is no evidence to suggest that the Canadian government has coordinated with Egyptian and Israeli officials to prepare for the evacuation of applicants. Other countries have demonstrated active diplomatic engagement and logistical planning in their evacuation of Gazans.

Realistic Requirements

The devastation of civilian infrastructure in Gaza is such that in many cases it is impossible to obtain:

  • biometrics
  • Up-to-date police records
  • health records and certification
  • proof of identity and family relationships (under Canadian Standards)
  • proof of education
  • full employment history

Under the pretext of attacking Hamas, Israel has been systematically destroying many of the institutions (hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, government buildings, etc) that would provide these documents. And many of the precious certificates and documents that individuals had in their possession have been destroyed during the relentless violence. There is now a complete absence of the infrastructure for the collection of biometrics - one of the non-negotiable requirements for evacuation from Gaza.

When Canada unyieldingly insists on receiving impossible documents from applicants within an active war zone - under seige, blockade, and bombardment, it risks joining Israel in the collective punishment of innocents in Gaza.

This is a shocking thought, and one that compels us to insist: Canada must find a reasonable way to satisfy their documentation requirements given the unprecedented circumstances faced by the people in Gaza.

Furthermore, for those individuals who have miraculously managed to obtain all the necessary documentation, should Canada not take a more urgent approach to helping them find safe passage to Canada?

Prevent Distressful Family Separations

Families have been separated at the border, including deeply unjust situations where children were evacuated but one of their parents was left behind, with lack of biometrics for the parents given as the reason. Canada must find ways to avoid being the callous source of suffering for these distressed families.

Streamline Processing and Evacuation

More than 100 families are in limbo, waiting for up to 19 months for clarity on their application. Once approved, the lack of evacuation may have dire consequences. There are many applicants with serious or urgent medical needs. And of course, even since the “ceasefire”, the average death toll in Gaza due to Israeli attacks is more than 5 individuals, per day. Numerous families have lost loved ones waiting for processing and evacuation.

Better Communication with Applicants

Applicants have received inadequate and inconsistent instruction, exacerbating delays and confusion. The complete lack of communication on the progress of applications has caused the community untold distress.

We help efforts to reunite Gazan Canadians with their family members by collecting proof of community support in the North Shore, via petition signatures, and we advocate for the families with our politicians.

Ways You Can Help
  • Support the Gazan Canadian Families League directly.
  • Follow them on Instagram (@gazancanadians ), join their sit-ins.
  • Contact or visit your MP about this issue.
  • Sign Parliamentary Petitions and observe their progress: e-6732 , e-6719 , e-4905 , e-4959
  • Visit us at our North Shore For Palestine community outreach events and sign our petitions.
  • Join us when we visit the North Shore MPs to discuss this and other matters.
  • Contact us and let us know you want to help.
  • Spread the word about this issue.
Further Reading