Canada Did Not Announce a Plan To Displace Palestinians From the West Bank and Gaza to Its Territories
The Claim
Dear Palestinian, Canada has opened its doors to you and your entire family. No bombing, no occupation, and no scorching sun. Canada receives you and gives you money for you and your family.
News posted on
Emerging story
A number of websites and social media accounts and pages have been recently sharing a news story claiming that Canada made it easier for Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank to immigrate to its territories, in support of the displacement plans the Israeli occupation intends to execute. Some Israeli media figures also urged Gazans to accept these invitations and leave the Gaza Strip for Canada.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. Contrary to the claim, Canada did not announce plans to accept Palestinian immigrants from the West Bank and Gaza for residency. Instead, it offers a program intended for the relatives of Canadian citizens and residents.
A Canadian Program To Evacuate Relatives of Canadian Citizens and Residents
Mark Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship of Canada, announced temporary immigration procedures to support family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, including both Palestinians and Israelis. These procedures encompass offering tax-exempt study programs and open work permits for individuals residing in Canada who do not feel safe returning to the region, as well as for Palestinians and Israelis who have relatives that are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
However, according to the Hebrew newspaper "Israel Hayom," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a recent meeting with representatives of the Likud Party in the Knesset that "our problem is the countries that are ready to receive refugees. We are working to solve this problem." During the meeting, Representative Danny Danon addressed the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, noting that the Canadian Minister of Immigration had “spoken publicly” about the matter during his visit to Tel Aviv.
Canada Denies Israeli Claims About Supporting Displacement
On the day following the report in the Israeli newspaper, Canada denied claims suggesting that Immigration Minister Mark Miller supported the “voluntary” immigration of Palestinians to Canada. Jeffrey MacDonald, a communications adviser at the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, informed Anadolu Agency that Canada is collaborating with regional partners to facilitate the evacuation of its citizens.
MacDonald mentioned that Canada plans to initiate a special program for citizens having relatives in Gaza and will issue temporary visas accordingly. He clarified that the government intends to prioritize the assessment of applications already submitted by Palestinians and Israelis with family connections in Canada, before launching the new program.
Moreover, MacDonald emphasized that the reports circulating in the Israeli media regarding Miller's purported endorsement of voluntary Palestinian immigration to Canada are 'incorrect.' He also underscored the challenges associated with leaving Gaza and stressed that individuals who are able to depart must meet all entry and eligibility criteria to come to Canada.
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