The Canadian government has introduced a new pathway to permanent residency for families who lost loved ones in the Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 tragedy.
Under this new pathway, from Oct. 28, 2024, to Oct. 27, 2025, family members of victims who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals approved to work or study in Canada can now apply for permanent residency.
North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson said that this initiative aims to ensure affected families, including spouses and relatives of Canadian residents, have access to the support they need. Wilkinson emphasized that this program is part of Canada’s continued support for those affected by the PS752 tragedy.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the new pathway to permanent residency for the families of the victims.
“The downing of Flight PS752 was a horrific event,” Miller stated in a release. “As we launch this new pathway, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, justice and human rights. Canada continues to honour the victims of Flight PS752, in solidarity with their families and loved ones who have suffered immeasurable loss.”
On Jan. 8, 2020, 176 passengers lost their lives when Flight PS752 was shot down over Iran by two missiles fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Seven of the victims resided in either North Vancouver or West Vancouver.
“This initiative is part of trying to ensure that it’s easy for people who want to come to Canada who were families of the victims,” said Wilkinson, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver and Minister of Natural Resources.
Kourosh Dustshenas, spokesperson for the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, expressed the significance of the new Canadian pathway for affected families.
“The introduction of this new pathway to permanent residence is welcomed by the families of Flight PS752 victims, especially families of student victims,” said Doustshenas. “Previously, there were pathways for families of Canadian permanent residents or citizens who lost loved ones on the flight, but this is the first time such a pathway has been extended to relatives of student victims.”
On Sept. 25, 2020, the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada implemented special measures to assist foreign national families of the victims who were in Canada due to pandemic-related border closures. Additionally, between 2021 and 2022, a temporary public policy was announced to facilitate permanent residency for the family members of the victims who were Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Although the exact number of eligible families is uncertain, Dustshenas estimated around 50 applications might be expected. Dustshenas expressed hope that those eligible will take advantage of this one-year window to apply amidst the ongoing difficulties faced in Iran.
Wilkinson said he has engaged with some of the families, particularly in the days and weeks after the plane was shot down.
“The office is always available for people who want help navigating the process, but I wouldn’t say there’s been a huge number of folks that have come to us to date,” he said. “We are always here to help.”
Among the 176 people killed in the tragedy, there were 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.
Wilkinson emphasized the importance of honouring the victims by supporting affected families and holding the Islamic Republic Regime accountable at the international level. Canada, alongside Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, is pursuing this accountability at the International Court of Justice.
“The Persian community on the North Shore is [one of the] largest communities that exists in any riding in Canada,” said Wilkinson. “It’s a very important part of West Van, North Vancouver and the North Shore. I have certainly been involved in this in terms of PS752, but more broadly around trying to ensure we are providing the appropriate supports for people here and that we are holding the government of Iran to account for their outrageous behaviour.”
Canada officially designated the IRGC as a terrorist group in June of 2024.
In July of 2022, City of North Vancouver council agreed to establish a memorial for the victims of Flight PS752. Additionally, B.C. Premier David Eby committed $100,000 toward the monument.
Regarding the memorial, Wilkinson noted that the City of North Vancouver is working on it, adding that he is ready to offer assistance with the project as needed.
“I have said to them that I am very happy to help when the time is right, though they obviously have some work to do first,” he said.
