The Canadian immigration minister made the commitment over the weekend.
Temporary residency permits will be offered by Canada to people affected by the controversial travel ban put in place by US president Donald Trump.
An executive order enacted by Trump has placed a ban on citizens from seven countries – Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, all of which are predominantly Muslim – from entering the United States, a ban that has sparked protests and confusion and caused chaos in airports around the world.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed that holders of Canadian passports, including dual citizens, would not be affected by the ban, while the Canadian immigration minister has promised to come to the aid of those who are stranded in the country as a result of the ban.
#ACanadianIsACanadian pic.twitter.com/6cqitwZJhE
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 29, 2017
The immigration minister, Ahmed Hussen, is himself a Somali refugee and at a media briefing on Sunday, he said that he will use his authority to help those affected.
“Let me assure those who may be stranded in Canada that I will use my authority as minister to provide them with temporary residency if they need it, as we have done so in the past,” Hussen said.
Trump’s ban has been the source of much controversy and discussion since it has come into effect; British athlete Mo Farah was amongst the public figures to speak out against it over the weekend, calling it “a policy that comes from a place of ignorance and prejudice”.
