441-02695 (Foreign affairs)

Canada remains deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon and empathizes with those affected. Since October 2023, Canada has advised Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their family members to avoid all travel to Lebanon and, if they are currently in Lebanon, to leave if they are able.

In late September 2024, the Government of Canada began coordinating with airlines to secure seats on commercial flights for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their spouses and children in Lebanon. The Government of Canada also arranged several charter flights in October 2024 from Beirut to Istanbul.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) primary focus is to assist Canadian citizens and permanent residents in obtaining the necessary travel documents required to board flights and safely leave Lebanon, while ensuring that families remain together. In partnership with Global Affairs Canada, IRCC continues to identify and expedite applications of spouses and dependent children travelling with Canadian citizens or permanent residents. IRCC is implementing special measures to support the Lebanese community during this difficult time and ensure they are not forced to go back to Lebanon. Lebanese nationals currently in Canada —whether studying, working, or visiting family— will be able to apply for an extension of their status free of charge. In addition to this measure, immediate family members of Citizens and permanent residents who fled Lebanon on or after September 29 will be able to apply for temporary residence in Canada at no cost.

IRCC continues to monitor the situation and will tailor our response to address the unique needs of those seeking support. Our focus remains on keeping Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their family members together. IRCC has increased its capacity to focus on files in the region and has been processing applications across all lines of business as quickly as possible.

The situation between Israel and Hezbollah since October 8^th, 2023, is intolerable and present an unacceptable risk of broader regional escalation. Canada is committed to continue its work with the international community to help advance peace in the region. Our position is that we need comprehensive, just and lasting peace for the Israeli, Lebanese and Palestinian peoples.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a listed terrorist organization in Canada, is having devastating consequences, while adding to the already severe humanitarian, economic and political crises in Lebanon. Thousands of Israelis have already been displaced from their homes in the North and are unable to leave in peace and security because of attacks by Hezbollah, a terrorist proxy of the Iranian regime. Hezbollah must cease its attacks, allowing Israelis to return home safely. We will continue to do everything we can to hold Iran accountable for its atrocities in the region including its funding of terrorist attacks.

Recently, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty in Paris, France, where the Minister engaged with counterparts to advance diplomatic solutions and increase humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of the Lebanese people. On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister met with the caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, reaffirming the need for an immediate ceasefire and reiterating Canada’s unwavering support for the Lebanese people.

At the same time, Lebanese civilians have been killed and newly displaced, and Canada also mourns the loss of its own citizens due to Israeli airstrikes. Lebanese civilians should not bear the consequences of Hezbollah’s actions; they have the right to live in peace and security throughout Lebanon.

We condemn the killing of civilians and humanitarian workers, including women and children. Canada urges all parties to protect civilians from harm and to respect their obligations under international and humanitarian law. Canada will continue working closely with the international community and regional partners to support the de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Both parties must reverse course; there can be no military solution to the current conflict. Immediate action to stop the violence is urgently needed.

On the diplomatic front, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation and discussed ways Canada can better support Lebanon during this critical time. Along with our G7 partners, Canada has advocated for a ceasefire to create space for a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line and has reiterated its full support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and its critical role in contributing to a diplomatic settlement consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. We strongly believe this is the only sustainable path to stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border, restoring Lebanese control over its territory, and ensuring the safe return of displaced persons on both sides.

In addition to diplomatic efforts, Canada has consistently reaffirmed it commitment to supporting civilians affected by the conflict. In 2024 alone, the Canadian government has provided over $56 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. Recognizing the urgent needs in Lebanon, Canada will also match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross’ Lebanon Humanitarian Needs Appeal and the Humanitarian Coalition’s Lebanon Emergency Appeal. Every $1 donated by individuals to these organizations from September 24 to November 3, 2024, will be matched, up to a maximum of $3 million for each appeal. Through these matching funds, Canadians can double the impact of their donations.

As Lebanon’s 5^th largest donor, Canada has provided over half a billion dollars to Lebanon since 2016 to support Lebanon’s stability and resilience in the face of conflicts in Iraq, Syria and the Beirut port explosion. Canada has been there and will continue to be there for the Lebanese people.

We will also continue to work with our international allies and partners in the region assist Canadians in the region. As we have been advising since October 2023, Canadians still in Lebanon should leave as soon as they can for their own safety, while commercial means remain available. It is the easiest and safest way to leave Lebanon. At the same time, we continue to work with industry, international partners and likeminded countries to coordinate contingency planning efforts to respond should the situation further deteriorate.