TORONTO – In the wake of the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the government must ease immigration rules to help Haitians with relatives in Canada reunite with their family on Canadian soil, says New Democrat Immigration Critic Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina).

“Haiti has suffered an extreme tragedy and Canada needs to extend its support in all ways, including easing immigration restrictions,” says Chow. “It is incumbent on this government to help Haitian-Canadian families bring their relatives home, and to do so quickly.”

Chow is calling on the Immigration Minister to provide priority processing and expedite the immigration applications of Haitians with relatives in Canada; to expand the existing family class definition to include siblings, uncles, aunts and older children; and to fast track the private refugee sponsorship applications for churches and non-governmental organizations looking to sponsor Haitian refugees.

“We have a responsibility to help the Haitians through this tragedy. Helping Canadian Haitians reunite with their family must be a priority for this government.”