2004-13

CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION MINISTER ANNOUNCES ACTION PLAN IN RESPONSE TO HURRICANE IVAN

OTTAWA, September 17, 2004 — Citizenship and Immigration Minister Judy Sgro announced today a plan of action to assist Grenada, Jamaica and other Caribbean nations affected by Hurricane Ivan.

“Canada remains committed to helping the victims of natural disaster,” said Minister Sgro. “As further assistance, we have developed an action plan to ensure that those affected by Hurricane Ivan receive quick and efficient services. We will continue to monitor the situation and will work in collaboration with other federal departments to help those in need.”

Abroad

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will maintain the best possible service to the people in the Caribbean for as long as necessary. Visa officers are currently on hand in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and an officer is currently at the visa office in Kingston, Jamaica, to deal with temporary resident applications.
• The visa offices in Port of Spain and Kingston are now giving priority to the processing of applications of spouses, common-law and conjugal partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In Canada

• CIC is prepared to be flexible in allowing people from Grenada, Jamaica and other Caribbean nations to extend their stay in Canada. This includes extensions for holders of student and work permits.
• CIC will ensure priority processing for those people in Canada wishing to sponsor family members affected by the hurricane.
• Immigration officers at the ports of entry will adopt a flexible approach when dealing with clients arriving from these nations.

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For more information (media only):

France Bureau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
(613) 954-1064

Maria Iadinardi
Media Relations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 952-0740