Woman fearing for family in Ukraine urges Canada to waive visa for those fleeing war
CBC
Narina Jabari has watched the Russian invasion of Ukraine with a growing sense of panic, coupled with frustration that Canada isn't doing more to help those trying to flee the war reach safety.
For her, it hits home. The 30-year-old was born in Kyiv and has been working to bring her aunt, uncle and cousin from Ukraine to Burlington, Ont.
But Jabari said bureaucratic red tape and the federal government's decision not to allow visa-free travel have left many trying to escape essentially stranded.
Those in Canada who are trying to help Ukrainians are feeling trapped too, said Jabari.
"Right before bed, I check: 'OK, are cities still standing?'" she said.
When she wakes up, she checks again.
"It's always this panic, fear and suffocation."
On Tuesday, Russia stepped up its bombardment of Kyiv while thousands of civilians fled Mariupol along a humanitarian corridor in what was believed to be the biggest evacuation yet from the desperately besieged seaport. On the diplomatic front, another round of talks began between Russia and Ukraine.
Also on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Canada for its support in his address to the House of Commons, but said much more needs to be done, including additional sanctions and a no-fly zone.
On March 3, Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced plans to welcome an "unlimited number" of people to leave their war-torn country for Canada.
Part of that influx will come through an "expedited path" to permanent residency for Ukrainians with family in Canada.
The government is also creating a Canada-Ukraine Authorization For Emergency Travel program that will allow those accepted to work, live or study in Canada for up to two years.
WATCH | Fraser speaks to CBC's Power & Politics about plans to waive most visa requirements:
Fraser said the aim was to have the application process open within two weeks, a countdown that's set to end Thursday.
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