ARTICLE - QUEBEC - SPONSORSHIP OF VICTIMS

THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE VICTIMS OF JANUARY 12, 2010 WAS A SUCCESS
(Haiti Libre) -

After January 12, 2010, the people of Quebec were quick to express their solidarity with the Haitian people. We remember that as soon as February 3, 2010, the Quebec government announced the establishment of a special program for sponsorship intended for family members seriously and personally affected by the earthquake, that were not covered by the regular sponsorship program.

"To date, this program has enabled more than 2,600 Haitian victims to settle permanently in Quebec," said Kathleen Weil, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities, on the eve of the commemoration of January 12, 2010. "I want these people to find in Quebec favorable conditions to look forward to with optimism. They can count on our support [...] The Special Programme for humanitarian sponsorship has been very popular," added the Minister, stating that the Ministry estimates at about 5,000 people, the total number of victims who will ultimately be received into Quebec, as part of this initiative, exceeding the original objective set at 3,000 people.

It should be noted, moreover, that since January 2010, Québec has welcomed more than 8,400 Haitian nationals, all immigration categories combined (economic migrants, refugees, family reunion, special program).

"I am very proud of the gestures of solidarity that the people of Quebec have made in the days and months after January 12, 2010. Today, we must continue this commitment of solidarity and responsibility, to accommodate these newcomers and their integration in Quebec," concluded Kathleen Weil.