Ottawa—Canada remains deeply concerned about the catastrophic conditions faced by people in Gaza. While it is extremely difficult for people to exit Gaza at this time, Canada is making sure the necessary supports are in place for Gazans as they start to arrive in our country.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Palestinians who have arrived in Canada can now apply to receive transitional financial assistance. This assistance will help them and their family members meet their basic needs—such as food, clothing and housing—as they join their Canadian relatives in communities across Canada.
The assistance will consist of a direct, one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under). To make sure those who are already in Canada, or will be arriving in the coming months, are able to quickly access financial assistance, we will be providing the one-time payments in stages, beginning with people who have arrived in Canada by March 31, 2025. Those people are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible upon arrival.
As payments will be issued through direct deposit, applicants must have a bank account with a Canadian financial institution. Learn more about who is eligible and how to apply for financial assistance.
In addition, temporary resident visa (TRV) applications fees and biometrics fees will be refunded to people applying for the temporary measures for extended family in Gaza. Those who have already submitted their TRV application and paid the fees will receive a refund in the coming weeks. These measures build on various supports we have put in place to help family members of Canadians and permanent residents from the region, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada.
Earlier, while in Gaza, Canadian foreign affairs minister, Melanie Joly said: “In the West Bank, we met with President Abbas to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the future governance of the Palestinian Authority and the work to advance towards a two-state solution.“