QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Permanent Residence Pathways
February 3, 2026
Senator Moreau, Canada currently has two programs for displaced Ukrainians living and working here to apply to be a permanent resident, or a PR. According to the estimates of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, for both pathways, applicants face a 50-year-plus wait time before their applications are processed. These are not pathways to PR; they are roadblocks.
Can you provide us with a solution to this situation?
Senator Kutcher, I listened very carefully to your introductory declaration minutes ago and to your question. Those are heartbreaking situations, and I understand that. I just want to remind you that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Canada has welcomed more than 220,000 Ukrainians. The government is helping Ukrainian families find safe temporary homes and has put in place support services for their survival.
I know that you are asking for more, sir. I will certainly raise the issue with the minister. However, I was told this morning that the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship is aware of the issue, and she is actively participating in the conversations to find solutions to the important problems that you are raising.
Thank you for that, Senator Moreau.
I have spoken with the minister numerous times, as have many others, and we have no action. The minister can create a temporary pathway to permanent residency if the minister should choose to do so. Do you know if the minister will choose to do so?
I cannot comment or speculate on future policy decisions, sir, but I will certainly bring your question to the minister as soon as this afternoon.
