Review H&C processing times
Petitioners ask the House of Commons to urgently review H&C processing times, publish a plan with timelines to reduce backlog, and adopt efficiency measures. The government responds that IRCC will pursue efficiency and technology.
Why we would sign this petition
- Would aim to reduce decade‑long waits and restore timely access to humanitarian relief for vulnerable applicants.
- Publishing a clear plan with timelines would increase transparency and accountability for backlog reduction efforts.
- Efficiency measures and appropriate technology could accelerate decisions while maintaining adjudication quality if properly implemented.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- High demand and constrained admissions space may limit how quickly reviews or procedural changes can shorten wait times.
- Process changes risk unintended consequences; speeding processing could lead to rushed files if resources or safeguards are insufficient.
- Clearing the backlog may require increasing admissions or resources rather than procedural tweaks alone, so this petition’s measures might be insufficient.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament for Mont Royal Canada has long held a reputation as a global leader in protection, compassion, and humanitarian support for those in vulnerable situations. The program was created to help individuals with unique and compelling personal or family circumstances not covered by regular immigration pathways. Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has extended processing times for H &C applicants 10 years of waiting until their destinies are certain; A processing time of 10 years or more for humanitarian and compassionate applications is fundamentally inconsistent with the purpose of this program. Such delays undermine procedural fairness and deny applicants meaningful access to a remedy intended to address urgent and compelling situations; and A humanitarian review that extends over a decade cannot be reconciled with Canada's stated commitment to fairness and compassion. We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, electors of Montreal and Mont Royal Riding and those interested in justice and procedural fairness of the Canadian Government, call upon the House of Commons to Undertake an urgent review of current processing times for H&C applications; Publish a clear and transparent action plan to address the backlog and ensure reasonable decision timelines; Consider implementing more efficient procedures that could accelerate processing without compromising the quality of adjudication; Reaffirm commitment to the humanitarian values at the core of Canada’s immigration system, ensuring that those seeking protection receive decisions with dignity, fairness, and compassion; and Uphold the principles of justice, empathy, and integrity for which Canada is known.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Signed by PETER FRAGISKATOS, M.P. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada understands that long wait times lead to uncertainty for vulnerable individuals who have requested to become permanent residents on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Applications for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds are intended to be a last resort for individuals who do not meet the requirements under any other immigration class, but believe there are compelling and exceptional circumstances that justify them being granted permanent residence in Canada. Each year, we table an Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, including the Immigration Levels Plan, which sets targets for new temporary resident arrivals and permanent resident admissions for the following three years. The Levels Plan is developed following extensive consultations, including with federal departments, provinces and territories, partners, stakeholders, and the public. It takes into account many factors, including government priorities and objectives for immigration, as well as economic, labour market and regional needs, international obligations and commitments, processing capacity, and capacity to settle, integrate, and retain newcomers. This year’s Levels Plan focuses on a return to sustainable immigration levels through stabilized permanent resident admissions targets. Individuals granted permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds are admitted under the Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other category of the Levels Plan. A total of 6 900 admissions are planned for this category in 2026, with notional targets of 5 000 each in 2027 and 2028, shared between a number of commitments and initiatives. There has been an increase in the number of requests for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds in recent years. High demand, combined with a reduction in admissions space, has resulted in increased inventory and significant wait times for clients, which are expected to persist. We remain committed to humanitarian populations and those in vulnerable situations and continue to explore options to mitigate impacts, including by implementing more efficient procedures and using technology where appropriate.