Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino's RemarksAt a press conference in Montreal on August 14 to announce his government's "special program" for yet another "particular category" of refugee claimants, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said amongst other things: "We are here today to recognize these asylum claimants who, without even the promise of status in Canada and without any certainty, mobilized themselves at a time when we were the most in need." He continued, "These people overcame huge adversity just to come here, often fleeing conflict, war and persecution. They were attracted to Canada, by a simple but lasting promise that they could live in peace, raise their families and build a better life."
"Today offers us such an opportunity, for we are here to acknowledge an exceptional group of asylum seekers, many of whom live right here in Montreal. "These are people who themselves are vulnerable because of their history, but who were ready to place their own health and safety at risk to save the lives of others. "These are people who were there hour after hour, day after day, month after month to work in hospitals and in long-term care and retirement homes, where COVID-19 struck the hardest. And it is these people who have supported our health care workers and who chose to contribute by assisting seniors, the sick and those fighting for their lives since the beginning of the pandemic. "They put themselves at risk and we are grateful for their service, for their sacrifice and for their instinct to put the needs of the community ahead of all else. "I know we will remember their courage and compassion for years to come. "As these individuals face an uncertain future in Canada, the current circumstances merit exceptional measures in recognition of their exceptional service during the pandemic. "So today, we are introducing a one-time measure that will provide a specific pathway to permanent residence for asylum claimants working in Canada's health care sector in recognition of their exceptional contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Those qualifying for an assessment within the framework of this temporary program are refugee claimants, including failed claimants, and those whose claims are pending and who are working in the health care sector and members of their families living in Canada. [...] "Canada is, above all else, a nation where we all look out for one another, a place where people seek to recognize those who put others first, even if that invites personal risk, even if no one asked them to help out, even if they did so simply because they felt it was the right thing to do. "The Prime Minister made a commitment to the country with regard to a means to recognize such dedication by asylum seekers who chose to act to uphold our collective effort nationally in support of all those fighting against COVID-19. Today we are respecting that commitment. This is about an exceptional measure, for exceptional times in recognition of exceptional service..." (Source: CPAC)
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He continued,
"However, there's nothing easy about the journey of fulfilling that
promise, even though Canada is recognized as a world leader in
resettlement. Our own history has sadly been tainted by injustices that
have been visited upon those seeking safe harbour in Canada. We must
always reflect on these lessons of history and ask ourselves: can we do
better?"