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The federal immigration department is under increasing pressure to reconsider its decision to halt applications for the Parents and Grandparents Programme (PGP), leaving thousands of families in limbo. On Wednesday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it would not accept any new expressions of interest from individuals wishing to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. This pause has left many waiting for years, with hopes of reuniting with loved ones dashed once again.
A Programme on Hold
The IRCC’s announcement signals a significant setback for many Canadians and permanent residents who have been eagerly anticipating the chance to reunite with family members. The department stated on its website that it would temporarily cease invitations to potential sponsors, citing a need to assess its current application inventory and ensure timely processing of existing cases. Taous Ait, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, emphasised that these measures are part of broader efforts to restore equilibrium within the immigration system and maintain public confidence.
Despite the suspension of new applications, Ait assured the public that the IRCC would continue processing up to 15,000 applications this year, consistent with the government’s Immigration Levels Plan. This limited number starkly contrasts with the overwhelming demand for family reunification, which has seen more than 200,000 expressions of interest submitted since the programme was revamped in 2020.
Declining Immigration Targets
The PGP has been a lifeline for immigrant families wishing to bring their elderly relatives to Canada, but recent policy changes have restricted access. According to the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan published in last year’s budget, the government has reduced its target for new permanent residents under this programme from 21,500 to just 15,000 annually.
The previous model, which allowed for a more open system of applications, has been replaced by a lottery-style selection process. This change has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, including NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan, who labelled the recent suspension as a “shameful” act that continues to thwart family reunification efforts. Kwan highlighted that the backlog of applications is likely to grow, leading to decades-long waits for families eager to be reunited.
The Human Cost of Bureaucratic Delays
The emotional toll of these delays cannot be understated. Immigration lawyer Yameena Ansari from Calgary noted that some individuals have tragically passed away while waiting for their applications to be processed. She described the current system as akin to a lottery, with hopeful sponsors scrambling to apply during limited windows that open every few years.
Many families resort to super visas, which allow parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for five years. However, these visas require applicants to cover their own healthcare costs, placing an additional financial burden on families already facing the stress of separation.
Calls for Reform
As the Canadian government grapples with its immigration policies, advocates and critics alike are calling for a thorough re-evaluation of the PGP. There is a growing consensus that the current model is inadequate, particularly for families who have already been waiting for years to bring their loved ones to Canada. Kwan has urged the government to establish standards that would ensure families can reunite in a timely manner, rather than languishing in bureaucratic limbo.
The IRCC’s recent actions highlight the complexities and challenges of immigration policy in Canada. Amidst rising demands for family reunification and a finite number of approved spots, the struggle for many remains ongoing.
Why it Matters
The suspension of the Parents and Grandparents Programme is not merely a bureaucratic issue; it represents a profound human concern, affecting thousands of families across Canada. As the government attempts to balance its immigration targets with processing capabilities, the heart-wrenching stories of separation and longing underscore the need for a more humane approach to family reunification. The implications of these policies extend beyond mere numbers; they touch on the very fabric of community and belonging, highlighting the urgent need for reform in a system that should prioritise family unity.
