By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter
Middle Eastern communities in the Halton region are expressing gratitude for federal financial assistance to help Palestinians arriving from Gaza.
The aid comes as Canada ramps up efforts to provide critical support amid the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced transitional financial assistance for Palestinian families arriving in Canada. A one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child will help cover essential needs, such as food, clothing and housing. These measures are part of Canada’s broader efforts to support the families of Canadians and permanent residents from the region. Temporary visa fee refunds and other services are also included in the program.
Halton Region, which includes Burlington, Oakville and Milton, is home to significant Middle Eastern and Muslim communities. Local leaders and residents have pledged to assist Palestinian families from Gaza as they settle in Canada.
“This is a time to come forward with open hearts and help those in the worst crises who immediately need food and shelter, in addition to sympathy and commiseration,” said Shoaib Al-Hassan, a Burlington resident and community leader. “The government’s financial assistance is a critical first step, and our community is ready to provide additional support to ensure families can rebuild their lives in Canada.”
Applications for funding are open to Palestinians arriving by March 31, 2025. Funding for those arriving after that date will require parliamentary approval. As of Jan. 4, 2025, 4,782 applications have been processed under the temporary resident pathway for Palestinian extended families from Gaza. Of these, 1,014 applicants who left Gaza and completed their visa requirements have been approved to come to Canada. A total of 616 individuals have already arrived under this temporary public policy.
Thomas Robert, an entrepreneur in Oakville, stressed the importance of cultural connections in helping families resettle.
“To the best of our efforts, we will help them feel at home, not just through material but moral support, so that they can connect with their culture and traditions. This assistance will help them start anew,” he said.
Milton youth advocate Sami Abu-Nassar highlighted the role of young people in the transition.
“Since I grew up here, I feel that community support matters in letting someone feel at home,” Abu-Nassar said. “We have our youth forums and plans to help the people coming from Gaza. With the government’s financial assistance, it will be easier to provide help with housing and food.”
Payments will be made in stages via direct deposit, and recipients will require Canadian bank accounts. Application and biometrics fees for temporary resident visas (TRVs) will be refunded for those applying under the extended family measures for Gaza.
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