(Response to question raised by the Honourable Ratna Omidvar on February 8, 2022)

Insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is concerned:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and other implicated government departments and agencies have collectively implemented a whole-of-government response, meeting regularly to ensure we are working collaboratively and proactively responding to issues. Since August 21, 2021, our collaboration has resulted in the arrival of over 8,000 Afghans to Canada, and more arrive every week.

The majority of Afghans wanting to resettle in Canada, and meeting the criteria of the Special Immigration Measures, are still located in Afghanistan. As a result of the Taliban’s control of Afghanistan, its status as a terrorist organization and the safety concerns for both clients and employees, IRCC does not have a physical presence in Afghanistan. For Afghans seeking to come to Canada, leaving Afghanistan can be extremely dangerous and difficult. The preponderance of issues impeding their immigration to Canada relate to securing safe transit out of Afghanistan.

IRCC is working with partners and neighbouring countries on how best to facilitate the safe movement of Afghan nationals out of Afghanistan so that the processing of their applications can continue. You may rest assured that the Government of Canada is working tirelessly and devoting the necessary resources to resettle these vulnerable persons safely to Canada as quickly as possible.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Mobina S. B. Jaffer on February 21, 2022)

Insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is concerned:

Canada is working to bring as many vulnerable Afghans as possible to safety in Canada, as quickly as is practicable. IRCC has already brought 8,580 new Afghans to Canada as of March 1, 2022, as part of the government’s multi-year commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals. As of February 21, 2022, IRCC has approved over 10,000 applications for Afghan nationals who assisted the Government of Canada (e.g., locally engaged staff, interpreters), along with their family members. Of these, 4,880 Afghans have since begun their new lives in Canada. Another 3,700 have been resettled to Canada through our humanitarian program, which focuses on women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities.

IRCC has streamlined the application process for Afghan applicants, and continues to prioritize and process these cases as quickly as possible for those inside and outside of Afghanistan. Depending on an individual’s circumstances, however, every step of the process can bring unique challenges. Full admissibility assessments, including security screening, must be completed before a decision can be reached on any application. Some cases are complex, and thus the screening aspect of the process can take additional time to ensure rigorous assessment.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Marilou McPhedran on February 24, 2022)

All international assistance provided by Global Affairs Canada in response to the illegal invasion of Ukraine, including $245 million in humanitarian assistance, is guided by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and requires gender-based analysis.

Canada is providing assistance through United Nations organizations, the Red Cross Movement and to non‑governmental organizations to address the needs of women and girls related to gender-based violence. This includes lifesaving services such as crisis rooms; counselling; distribution of cash and dignity kits; and access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Other support includes programming provided through UN Women and Justice Rapid Response for assessments of the needs of women and girls in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, as well as the deployment of specialized investigators with sexual violence and criminal investigation expertise. Canada is contributing to the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund to support women’s organizations to provide protection and psychological support, while ensuring that women are supported to work towards conflict resolution.

Canada is also pursuing accountability through the International Criminal Court, whose statute expressly proscribes various forms of sexual violence as underlying acts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Ratna Omidvar on March 1, 2022)

Insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is concerned:

The Government of Canada is committed to helping Ukrainians and has announced a number of new measures to help people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. When consulting with the Ukrainian community, we heard that a number of Ukrainians may want to come to Canada temporarily and then return home when it is safe to do so. Therefore, a new temporary residence pathway was needed to urgently bring Ukrainians seeking temporary refuge into Canada. Having the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) available, in addition to permanent residence pathways (including family sponsorship), will allow Canada to welcome more Ukrainians fleeing violence.

The CUAET is open to an unlimited number of Ukrainians. These measures allow clients to stay for up to three years, with the option to work or study while here. This is the fastest, safest and most efficient way for Ukrainians and their immediate family members to come to Canada and eliminates many of the normal visa requirements. IRCC has already received more than 50,000 applications under this program. Further, in recognition that many Canadians and permanent residents have family in Ukraine, IRCC is quickly implementing a special family reunification sponsorship pathway.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Mary Coyle on March 22, 2022)

Department of Justice officials continue to monitor both Canadian and international developments on conversion therapy, as well as any relevant jurisprudence, and will continue to work through existing federal, provincial and territorial fora to facilitate collaboration and monitor their experiences with conversion therapy cases. Additionally, Statistics Canada tracks police-reported incidents of crime, as well as charges laid and convictions entered under Criminal Code offences.

As a general rule, Canadian courts have jurisdiction over crimes committed within Canada. However, Canadian courts also have jurisdiction to prosecute where there is a real and substantial link between Canada and the offence. Such a link may be established in cases where conversion therapy is provided online to Canadians by persons residing in another country.

To enhance our understanding of the impact of conversion therapy on those subjected to it, the Department of Justice has contracted with the Community-Based Research Centre Society to undertake qualitative, in-depth interviews with survivors of conversion therapy from across the country. Also, in January 2022, the Department of Justice made $1 million available through the Victims Fund to support the development of public legal education and information (PLEI) resources and materials regarding the new conversion therapy-related offences.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Marilou McPhedran on March 22, 2022)

Canada is coordinating efforts with allies and partners to support Ukraine and to pressure Russia to end its war on Ukraine. Canada calls on Russia to immediately cease all hostile and provocative actions against Ukraine, withdraw all military and proxy forces from the country and turn to good-faith diplomacy. Canada also supports ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Canada played a key role in the eleventh emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly and the adoption of resolutions on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, humanitarian consequences and suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council.

Canada continues to work at the United Nations on options to support Ukraine and promote international peace and security.

(Response to question raised by the Honourable Donald Neil Plett on May 18, 2022)

Veterans Affairs Canada

Veterans Affairs Canada is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act related to the disclosure of personal information and, as such, cannot respond to questions about individual clients.

Veterans Affairs Canada acknowledges the significant contributions that veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members have made, and continue to make, in protecting Canadians and their peace and security at home and around the world. These men and women deserve the greatest recognition and respect for their service. Veterans Affairs Canada maintains an open-door policy for communication and collaboration on their issues and priorities.

This case deals with issues that are being addressed by Veterans Affairs Canada.

Appendix—Senators List