D. Kevin Carroll, the President of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), has formally requested that Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism,to expedite immigration applications for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti.
The CBA is gratified for our government’s commitment for urgent humanitarian assistance for Haiti. News reports state that the urban areas of Haiti have been hardest hit, and the death toll could reach 500,000. We are acutely aware of the significant devastation to the infrastructure of the country. Another significant way that Canada can extend assistance is by bringing those with ties to Canada to our country on an expedited basis.
The CBA will be listing lawyers on their website who can offer their pro bono services in processing the applications.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
I am a Canadian lawyer-linguist practising in Ontario. My husband survived the earthquake in Haiti. I am delighted that the Canadian Bar Association took the initiative to lobby the government to expedite immigration applications, on both a personal and professional level. My husband's application has been "in process" at the visa office in Haiti since July 29, 2009. I am hoping that this will expedite his application and also reunite many other families affected by the earthquake. The American Bar Association has also taken this step, see: http://www.news-press.com/article/20100113/NEWS01/100113049/1075