Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said at a press conference at Rideau Cottage today when talking about Haitian workers, "I think people recognize that heroes who do exceptional work in extremely difficult circumstances should receive some recognition [...] We understand that there is a desire in the population to recognize and thank these people." He believes that Ottawa can find a way to regularize the status of irregular Haitian asylum seekers who work in care centers for seniors, saying "in an exceptional situation, we can obviously consider exceptions."

He informed that the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Marco Mendicino, has been instructed to find a way to move forward "We are looking at how we can recognize this work and perhaps accelerate the process."

For its part, the Bloc Québécois urged the Trudeau government to give priority to the files of these asylum seekers who work in residential and long-term care centers (CHSLD), a gesture that is essential in light of the work done by "our guardian angels" during the COVID-19 crisis, the vast majority of nationals of Haitian origin, declared the Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet.

Also on Wednesday, Justin Trudeau met with President Jovenel Moïse to discuss the measures implemented in Canada and in Haiti in response to the Covid-19 coronvirus to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all their citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

The two leaders spoke about the value of international solidarity and co-operation to address the widespread health, social, and economic impacts of the pandemic. They also agreed on the importance of ensuring that the post-COVID-19 world serves all countries well, and look forward to discussing this at the high-level event on development financing during COVID-19 that will take place on May 28.

Prime Minister Trudeau underscored the strong friendship between Canada and Haiti, built on enduring people-to-people ties. He acknowledged the exceptional contributions made by Haitians in Canada, including those working on the front line of the pandemic as caregivers https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30695-haiti-canada-message-from-pm-trudeau-to-health-professionals-of-haitian-origin.html

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30760-haiti-politic-canada-suspends-the-repatriation-of-haitians.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30695-haiti-canada-message-from-pm-trudeau-to-health-professionals-of-haitian-origin.html

HL/ HaitiLibre