OLLO – 2021-01207377 – Final(Response) – February 6, 2023

The Honourable Marie-Françoise Mégie
Senate of Canada
marie-francoise.megie@sen.parl.gc.ca
Ottawa, Canada K1A 1L1

Dear Senator Mégie:

I am writing in response to your letter that was forwarded to me on November 26, 2023, by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, regarding the measures taken by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assist Haitians affected by the political and natural events of recent months.

I have noted your concerns in this regard and would like to begin by emphasizing that Canada is profoundly concerned by recent events in Haiti and is actively monitoring the situation. At this time, existing immigration programs continue to be available to eligible Haitians, including opportunities for family reunification through family sponsorship (spouses and common-law partners, parents and grandparents, and dependent children) as well as on a temporary basis through programs such as the super visa for parents and grandparents.

In addition, the IRCC office in Port-au-Prince is still open for business, and the Haiti Visa Application Centre remains open and is providing the same services to applicants as before the earthquake. Applications for permanent and temporary residence from Haitians continue to be processed, with priority being given to family reunification cases.

Please be assured that the Department is closely monitoring the situation in Haiti through its Operational Readiness Unit (ORU), which receives regular updates through the Government Operations Centre. The ORU is also in regular contact with the Client Experience Branch and the IRCC International Network so that it may understand and best meet the needs of its clients in Canada and abroad.

I hope you will find this information helpful.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Sean Fraser, PC, MP
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship