22.8°C Vancouver

Feb 7, 2024 6:21 PM - The Canadian Press

Immigration minister 'pissed off' that Canadians' families blocked from leaving Gaza

Share On
immigration-minister-pissed-off-that-canadians-families-blocked-from-leaving-gaza
Ottawa started accepting applications last month to reunite as many as 1,000 people in the Palestinian territory with extended family members in Canada.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller says he's frustrated and "pissed off" that a list of people related to Canadians are being blocked from leaving the embattled Gaza Strip.

Ottawa started accepting applications last month to reunite as many as 1,000 people in the Palestinian territory with extended family members in Canada.

Canada has provided an initial list of pre-approved people to Israel and Egypt, who jointly control the only border crossing out of Gaza.

Miller says he is exploring diplomatic options and doesn't want to give up, but he also doesn't want to offer families false hope that their relatives will be able to get out.

The minister says he thinks foreign authorities may have some trepidation about how broad Canada's program could get.

Miller previously said he's willing to be flexible on the number of people who can access the program, but now says it can't be expanded if no one can get across the border.

Latest news

carney-targets-new-trade-agreements-with-asean-india-and-other-asian-partners-by-year-end
CanadaJul 29, 2026

Carney targets new trade agreements with ASEAN, India and other Asian partners by year-end

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada aims to finalize new trade agreements with ASEAN member states, India, Thailand and the Philippines by the end of 2026, a move the federal government says would give Canadian businesses access to markets representing nearly three billion consumers. Speaking to reporters in Red Deer, Alta., Carney said the government intends to conclude free trade agreements with India and other key partners before the end of the year. According to the prime minister, the agreements are expected to create new opportunities for Canadian businesses in some of the Asia-Pacifi
BCJul 29, 2026

Four arrested after anti-gang probe uncovers suspected synthetic drug lab in Abbotsford

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) says four people were arrested after investigators uncovered a suspected clandestine synthetic drug laboratory in rural Abbotsford and seized drugs, firearms and commercial explosives during coordinated search warrants. According to CFSEU-BC spokesperson Sgt. Sarbjit Kaur Sangha, the investigation began in February 2026 after police received information suggesting a suspect was involved in firearms trafficking and illicit drug production. On May 21, officers executed simultaneous search warrants at multiple properties
federal-alberta-governments-announce-510m-housing-infrastructure-agreement
AlbertaJul 29, 2026

Federal, Alberta governments announce $510M housing infrastructure agreement

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have announced a new infrastructure agreement aimed at supporting housing development across the province through upgrades to essential municipal services. Under the agreement, the Government of Canada will invest more than $510 million over the next eight years through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). According to the federal and provincial announcement, the funding will help municipalities build and upgrade drinking water, wastewater, sewer and stormwater infrastructure needed to support new housing construction. In
more-than-100-aftershocks-follow-powerful-earthquake-in-japans-kyushu-region-death-toll-rises-to-13
WorldJul 29, 2026

More than 100 aftershocks follow powerful earthquake in Japan's Kyushu region; death toll rises to 13

Rescue crews in Japan's Kyushu region continued search operations Wednesday after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake triggered more than 100 aftershocks, leaving at least 13 people dead, according to Japanese authorities. The hardest-hit areas include Kumamoto Prefecture, where emergency crews are searching through the rubble of a paper factory and a shopping mall despite high temperatures. Authorities said the damage worsened after an explosion occurred at the shopping mall about an hour after the initial earthquake. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said rescue efforts remain focused on reachin
westjet-flight-attendants-sign-operational-wind-down-agreement-as-aug-2-strike-deadline-approaches
CanadaJul 29, 2026

WestJet, flight attendants sign operational wind-down agreement as Aug. 2 strike deadline approaches

WestJet and the union representing approximately 4,400 flight attendants have signed an operational wind-down agreement outlining procedures to safely land aircraft and return cabin crew home in the event of a strike. Flight attendants could begin strike action as early as Aug. 2 if the two sides fail to reach a new collective agreement. A work stoppage could disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers during the August long weekend. Under Canada's labour rules, the union must provide at least 72 hours' strike notice before any job action can begin. If notice is issued, some flight cancel

Related News