Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing transitional financial assistance for Gazan Palestinians resettling in Canada. This support aims to help newcomers cover essential costs like food, shelter, and clothing as they adjust to life in the country.
According to Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller, offering settlement and financial support is crucial to helping individuals escaping conflict regain stability and safety in Canada. While detailed program guidelines are yet to be released, this initiative reflects Canada’s broader commitment to humanitarian assistance.
In addition to financial aid, Gazans arriving in Canada will receive three months of temporary health insurance under the Interim Federal Health Program. This coverage is meant to address immediate and urgent medical needs. They will also gain access to a suite of settlement services, including language training, guidance on enrolling children in schools, support with banking and residency logistics, and job-search assistance.
So far, IRCC has accepted 4,245 applications under a special temporary resident pathway for extended family members of Canadians in Gaza. Among these, 733 individuals have been approved to travel to Canada. These applicants had already submitted their biometrics and were undergoing Temporary Resident Visa processing. As of October 5, 334 individuals have successfully arrived in Canada through this temporary public policy.
IRCC notes that facilitating safe movement out of Gaza remains highly complex due to local and geopolitical constraints beyond Canada’s control. Nevertheless, Canadian authorities are actively collaborating with local and international stakeholders to assist Canadians and their affected relatives.
These immigration and resettlement initiatives are part of Canada’s broader humanitarian response to the ongoing conflict. The federal government has also pledged $140 million in humanitarian aid to support urgent needs in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel, and surrounding areas. This funding will go toward providing food, water, medical services, and other critical emergency resources.
IRCC has further introduced tailored immigration measures for both Palestinians and Israelis impacted by the conflict, underscoring Canada’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations affected by geopolitical instability.