Media Release: Expansion and extension of Lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers step in the right direction but more needs to be done

Right from the beginning, Kwan and advocates for Hong Kongers had pointed out to the Liberal government that the 5-year graduation rule meant that many Hong Kongers would not be eligible under the program. This was proven to be the case when it was revealed that as of the end of October last year, only 134 Hong Kongers had come to Canada under the lifeboat scheme.
"Since the lifeboat scheme was first announced in November 2020, I continually brought the concerns directly to the attention of the Immigration Minister. I spoke with him directly, had the issue studied by the Standing Committee on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugees (CIMM) and most recently, CIMM issued a press release calling for action. Today's announcement is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done", added Kwan.
Hong Kong officials are working hard to promote the message that Hong Kong is returning to normal, however, the Hong Kong government is still aggressively using the national security law to persecute dissidents, journalists and including those who participated in the primary election of the Legislative Council. Too many Hong Kongers find themselves accused of violating the national security law. For the lifeboat scheme to be effective, the Canadian government recognize this and lift the criminal record check requirement for these Hong Kongers.

Media Release
2023.2.6

Expansion and Extension of Lifeboat Scheme for Hong Kongers Step in the Right Direction But More Needs to be Done

MP Jenny Kwan, NDP Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Critic welcomes Immigration Minister Sean Fraser's announcement to extend the Hong Kong lifeboat scheme for two years and to change the 5-year graduation requirement to 10 years.

Kwan said: "The NDP along with community have lobbied long and hard for the expansion and extension of the lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers. Since the lifeboat scheme is set to expire on February 7th, I am relieved that the Minister listened and is extending it for another 2 years. I am also pleased that the Minister has eased a major barrier in the lifeboat scheme."

Right from the beginning, Kwan and advocates for Hong Kongers had pointed out to the Liberal government that the 5-year graduation rule meant that many Hong Kongers would not be eligible under the program. This was proven to be the case when it was revealed that as of the end of October last year, only 134 Hong Kongers had come to Canada under the lifeboat scheme.

"Since the lifeboat scheme was first announced in November 2020, I continually brought the concerns directly to the attention of the Immigration Minister. I spoke with him directly, had the issue studied by the Standing Committee on Citizenship, Immigration, and Refugees (CIMM) and most recently, CIMM issued a press release calling for action. Today's announcement is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done", added Kwan.

Hong Kong officials are working hard to promote the message that Hong Kong is returning to normal, however, the Hong Kong government is still aggressively using the national security law to persecute dissidents, journalists and including those who participated in the primary election of the Legislative Council. Too many Hong Kongers find themselves accused of violating the national security law. For the lifeboat scheme to be effective, the Canadian government recognize this and lift the criminal record check requirement for these Hong Kongers.

In addition, Canada and the international community must continue to speak out against the Hong Kong government's violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the UN Charter of Human Rights, and provide assistance and pathways to safety for these persecuted pro-democracy activists.

MP Kwan stated: "The most effective signal of normalcy in Hong Kong is for the Government of Hong Kong to release of all dissidents, political prisoners and to cease and desist with their prosecution. This is the signal of normalcy that the international community hopes to see."

Kwan stands with Hong Kongers and will continue to advocate for the Canadian government to expand immigration measures for Hong Kongers to include humanitarian measures and the sponsorship of extended family members

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