Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre supports clearing Hong Kong Pathway backlogs

Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the federal Conservative Party of Canada, has voiced his commitment to addressing the backlogs in the Hong Kong Pathway if he assumes the role of Prime Minister of Canada. 

Hong Kong Watch has welcomed Mr Poilievre’s pledge, which comes after months of advocacy efforts, including town hall meetings with MP Tom Kmiec and discussions with policymakers from various parties. These initiatives have highlighted the urgent need to prioritize immigration concerns for Hong Kong residents in Canada through the Vote4HK Canada campaign.

In a recent media statement, Mr Poilievre said:

“I support accelerating the Hong Kong cases. A lot of Hong Kongers want to come here because of the human rights abuses they are facing, and they want to start a new life here. We already have an incredibly successful history in Canada of integrating and welcoming people from Hong Kong. I would be excited to work with the community to expedite the end to these backlogs.” 

Hong Kong Watch urges all federal parties to clarify their positions on clearing the Hong Kong Pathway backlogs and to expedite the processing of permanent residency applications, and call on all political parties to unite in support of Hong Kongers seeking refuge through the lifeboat scheme.

Aileen Calverley, co-founder and Chair of Trustees of Hong Kong Watch, stated:

“Time is running out for Hong Kongers who escaped tyranny, only to face unconscionable delays in Canada. The recent announcement from IRCC regarding processing delays extending to 2027 is utterly intolerable. We welcome the Conservative Leader Mr Pierre Poilievre for his pledge to tackle this backlog and support the people of Hong Kong. Addressing these delays is vital for Hong Kongers who have escaped a harsh regime, as prolonged waiting times threaten their work permits, healthcare access, and educational opportunities for their children.”

加拿大保守黨黨魁博勵治承諾加快處理「Hong Kong Pathway」永居申請積壓個案

加拿大聯邦保守黨黨魁博勵治（Pierre Poilievre）表示，如果他出任加拿大總理，將致力解決「Hong Kong Pathway」永久居留申請積壓的問題。香港監察對黨魁博勵治的承諾表示歡迎，這項承諾是經過我們過去數月努力倡議的成果，包括與時任國會議員Tom Kmiec MP舉行研討會、與各黨派政策制訂者商討問題。這亦印證了「Vote4HK Canada」倡議的調查發現，即優先解決在加港人移民問題的迫切需要。

黨魁博勵治在最近的傳媒採訪中表示：

「我支持加快處理香港救生艇個案。很多香港人想來到加拿大是因為他們的人權被侵犯，他們希望在這裏開展新生活。加拿大在融合和歡迎來自香港的人方面，已經擁有非常成功的歷史。我期待與港人群體合作加快處理這些積壓個案。」

香港監察呼籲所有聯邦政黨釐清對清理「Hong Kong Pathway」積壓個案的立場，加快處理永居申請，並呼籲所有政黨團結一致支持透過救生艇計劃尋求庇護的香港人。

香港監察共同創辦人兼信託董事會主席Aileen Calverley表示：

「對於逃離暴政卻在加拿大面臨無理拖延的香港人來說，時間已不多了。加拿大移民部（IRCC）最近宣布審批時間將延遲至2027年，這是完全無法容忍的。我們歡迎保守黨黨魁博勵治承諾解決積壓問題和支持香港人。處理這些積壓案件，對於逃離暴政的香港人來說尤其重要，因為等待永居結果時間過長威脅到他們的工作許可、使用醫療服務，以及子女接受教育的機會。」