RECOMMENDATION 1

That Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada redouble its efforts to publicize the special immigration measure for nationals of Haiti and Zimbabwe with a focus on:

• The form of media most likely to reach the intended audience;
• Positive messaging to address fears of coming forward, including the high approval rate on applications already submitted; and
• Correcting myths, such as the myth that people who already had an application on humanitarian and compassionate considerations denied could not apply again under the special measure.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada review the process of applying for permanent residence under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, with a view to making it less onerous for applicants.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada consider alternate methods of verifying identity and relationships, such as the use of affidavits, and make these alternatives available to applicants under the special measure.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada identify organizations that could help with completing applications under the special measure and consider providing them with extra resources for so doing. Further, that these arrangements be well publicized so that affected persons know where to turn for assistance.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada examine the cost of applying for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, particularly for lower income applicants, and consider lowering fees or providing fee assistance where appropriate; and that IRCC ensure that this review applies to the current applicants under this special measure.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada consider issuing work permits and Interim Federal Health Program certificates valid for 18 months to people who have been in Canada for one year or longer with a temporary suspension of removal.

RECOMMENDATION 7

That Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada work to ensure that healthcare providers do not refuse healthcare services to individuals covered by the Interim Federal Health Program.