Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Canada is ramping up its efforts to assist citizens in the region. Approximately 3,500 Canadians have requested government help for evacuation out of 108,000 registered Canadians in the area, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
Evacuation Efforts by Ottawa
To meet the urgent needs of these citizens, Ottawa has chartered its first flight. On Saturday, 180 Canadians will be flown from Dubai to Istanbul. In addition, seats have been block-booked on upcoming flights departing from Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. The government is also coordinating four buses from Qatar to Saudi Arabia.
With the situation escalating, there are discussions about potentially using boats for evacuations from Lebanon. However, Minister Anand warned that maritime routes are particularly risky at this time due to ongoing military actions in the region.
Flight and Seat Reservations
A block-booked flight from Dubai to Toronto, scheduled for Saturday, has already sold out. This flight is available for 51 Canadians and their immediate families. Minister Anand confirmed that the government is organizing these travel arrangements, but the costs must be repaid by those traveling. Seats that go unused will be offered to other allied nations.
Additional Support for Canadians
- Consular officials are preparing to provide emergency travel documents.
- They aim to expedite visa issuance for family members traveling with Canadians.
- Officials are stationed at borders in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Armenia to assist those who have crossed.
During a briefing with the Liberal caucus, Anand acknowledged concerns from MPs regarding the government’s stance on the conflict and the need for more consistent updates. She emphasized the value of diverse viewpoints within the party and noted that Canada’s official position will be discussed when the House of Commons reconvenes next week.
Minister Anand reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Canadians abroad and facilitating their safe return home through reliable means. Ottawa continues to prioritize the welfare of its citizens in this unprecedented situation.
