It is important to directly tell your MP and ministers what you are asking for and why you care about it. It’s best if you can be concise. It’s important to express your personal feelings and values in a respectful manner. (You can press * to move to the next call) Here’s an example:

Hi, I’m …, and I’m a constituent in …. I’m reaching out because I’m really worried about the people in Gaza, especially Palestinians who are trying to flee the crisis and join their family here in Canada.

Key Messages:

“Ministers Joly and Miller are equally responsible to fix this program.” - We need you (to push Ministers Joly and Miller) to fix the visa program and pressure Israel to let Gazans out so that they can have a real shot at getting here. Dropping the biometrics requirement, increasing the entry limit, and allowing applicants to delay their medical exams would make a huge difference.

“People are dying locked in the Gaza killing cage.” - Gaza is facing a terrible humanitarian emergency. Estimates indicate that more than 186,000 people have already been killed by Israel, and so many more are at risk. The months-long processing time is absolutely inhumane. These people are facing daily threats on their lives, whether from airstrikes, starvation, or terrible living conditions.

“We are bleeding Palestinian Canadians dry.” - Palestinian Canadians are now going into debt just trying to get their families out. Even beyond that, the Gaza Visa Program has impossible requirements for applicants, like needing documents that were destroyed or can’t be accessed.

“Palestinians are being treated unfairly in comparison to Ukrainians.” - Canada quickly eased requirements for Ukrainians to help them reach safety and come into Canada; so, we need the same compassion for Palestinians. Right now, they’re facing a level of screening and delays that are discriminatory and unnecessary.

“Act Now to End Israeli Impunity.” - Canada has to respond immediately, like we have in other crises, to help people get to safety. We need to sanction Israel if they won’t let TRV holders leave Gaza.

Thank you for your time and for caring about this. Please let me know if you’re able to support this, and if there are any updates.