TORONTO – In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Canada needs to expedite the immigration process and bring Haitian adoptees into the country now, says New Democrat Immigration Critic Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina).

“Adopted children in Haiti have waited long enough to be united with their new families,” said Chow. “Their applications have been approved, they’ve been matched up, and after the unimaginable trauma they experienced, Canada should do the right thing and allow them to come here right away.”

Chow is calling on the Immigration Minister to ensure that any Haitian child who has been approved for adoption be united with their family as soon as possible. Many orphanages in Haiti are already overcrowded and will undoubtedly be seeing even more children at their doors.

“There are bodies in the streets and many people don’t have access to medical care, drinking water or food,” said Chow. “Their parents have already had to wait for several years. Now is the time to bring these children home to their new families.”