This week’s Canada Immigration News roundup consists of seized cocaine at a port of entry, new sponsorship programs, and information on wildfire victim relief.
RCMP places criminal charges after CBSA cocaine seizure at Pacific Highway port of entry
One somewhat persistent piece of Canada immigration news related to illicit substances intercepted by the CBSA. According to a news release issued by the CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency), on Oct 4, 65 kgs of cocaine were seized from an Alberta truck driver on July 16th with the help of a detector dog who suspected four boxes during the vehicle examination. The RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) arrested and took the driver into custody. The investigation is ongoing.
Immigration Program news: New parents and grandparents sponsorship invitations begun
In other events/happenings, starting Oct 10, sponsors who applied for permanent residency in 2020 will be sent invitations from the IRCC (Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada) for PGP 2023 (Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship). Over the next 2 weeks, they will be asked to apply for their parents/grandparents. 24,200 invitations are being sent, of which 15,000 will be fulfilled.
Policy News: Canada will accept 11,000 migrants from South America starting this fall
News about a new migrant program is as follows. On the 10th, immigration minister Marc Miller announced 11,000 migrants will be welcomed as Canada creates a “new humanitarian permanent residence pathway”. He stated in a report “Starting this fall, Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan foreign nationals located in Central or South America or the Caribbean who have extended family connections in Canada will be eligible to apply for this new pathway.”
Policy News: Immigration and citizenship document relief for wildfire victims extended
The news where the environment/ecology is affecting immigration policy is as follows. IRCC is extending the relief period for victims of the Canada wildfires whose immigration and citizenship documentation have been damaged/lost. In a tweet, IRCC stated “We are extending these temporary, special measures until Nov 30.” immigration officials are replacing documents for free for Canadians, permanent, and temporary residents who were affected by the wildfires.This includes PR cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents.
If you have a question about Canadian immigration law such as applying for a visa or extending your time in Canada (or for more news), contact us.
References available for further research
Peace Arch News Staff – Drug bust at B.C border in Surrey leads to charges for commercial truck driver – Surrey Now Leader – Oct 4, 2023
Singh, K. – New Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship 2023 Invitations – Immigration News Canada – Oct 10, 2023
Singer, C. – “Canada Extends Citizenship And Documentation Relief For Wildfire Victims” – Immigration.ca – Oct 12, 2023
Rana, U – Canada to welcome 11,000 migrants from the Americas starting this fall: minister” – Global News – Oct 10, 2023
