National Charities and organizations have called upon Canada to establish an emergency relief fund for Gazan families

To: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Cc: Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada and Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

Cc: All Premiers in Canada

For over 6 months, Palestinian families fleeing back to Canada, whether citizens or family members of citizens, have fled what the International Court of Justice has called a plausible genocide. 

Muslim community organizations have been supporting hundreds of Canadian families fleeing back to Canada. Over 80% of all Palestinians who have arrived in Canada are experiencing significant mental health issues like PTSD, wartime trauma, etc. In addition, many have sustained serious injuries, have lost their livelihoods and life savings, and will need time for rehabilitation.  

Over the last few months multiple charities across Canada, including the National Zakat Foundation (NZF), Nisa Foundation, the Coalition Of Canadian Palestinian Organizations, Islamic Relief Canada (IRC), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Human Concern International (HCI), Penny Appeal Canada, and the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), have provided housing and resettlement support amounting to approximately $2 million for families fleeing Gaza. That demand is only increasing. 

Canada has a track record of supporting families fleeing war. We have seen Canada provide funding support for better resettlement to families fleeing in instances such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Syria. For example, Ukrainian refugees received a one-time funding of $3000 from the federal government, and then a monthly benefit rate depending on family size from the provinces.

Canadians fleeing from war, and who have lost all their earthly possessions, and have stared death in the face, should be treated equally and given the opportunity to succeed and the ability to stand on their own feet through a temporary aid program. 

Canadian Palestinians arriving in Canada, whether citizens or as family members of Canadians arriving through the Canada Special Measures Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) program should be eligible for a one-time payment from the Canadian government, as an immediate need, followed by monthly payments for up to a year as well as protecting healthcare rights, supported by the provinces. 

The federal government should also start a program to match funds to charities made by Canadians dedicated to supporting Gazan families coming through the TRV program. 

Sincerely,

 

  • The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM)
  • The National Zakat Foundation Canada (NZF)
  • Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA)
  • Islamic Relief Canada (IRC)
  • Human Concern International (HCI)
  • International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF)
  • Coalition Of Canadian Palestinian Organizations
  • Nisa Foundation
  • Penny Appeal Canada