Canada announces financial aid for Gazans arriving in the country
Canada has announced that Gazans in Canada who arrived under a special measure offering them temporary residency, provided they have extended family in Canada, will receive funding for their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and housing, as they settle into communities across the country and prepare to find work.
“We remain deeply committed to supporting Palestinians during the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and are concerned about the well-being of all people in the region,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “Providing settlement and financial support is critical to addressing the immediate challenges faced by Gazans finding safety in Canada. We will continue to help those seeking refuge live and thrive in communities across the country while advocating for everyone’s safety.”
Assistance aside from financial aid for Gazans in Canada
Gazans who are in Canada temporarily – either under the special program or on another temporary visa – will have access to the following supports:
- Three months of temporary health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to help address urgent medical needs upon arrival
- Settlement services such as language training, information about and orientation to life in Canada (such as help enrolling children in school or opening a bank account), and information and services to help them find a job
- The ability to apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits from within Canada
While it remains extremely difficult for people to exit Gaza at this time, Canada is taking proactive steps so that the necessary support is in place for Gazans when they arrive.
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What other aid is Canada providing?
Financial aid for Gazans in Canada aside, Canada is also providing $140 million in humanitarian assistance funding to address urgent needs owing to the crisis in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Israel, and neighbouring areas. The money will be used to provide food, water, emergency medical aid, protection services, and other life-saving assistance.
Alongside the financial aid for Gazans in Canada, temporary measures for both Israeli and Palestinian nationals in the country, as well as their family members, have been made available for those who wish to extend their stay. These include applying for or extending an open work permit, study permit, or visitor record, at no cost.
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