The federal government has announced a new pathway to permanent residence in Canada for the families of those lost onboard a Ukrainian jetliner shot down four years ago.
Five members of the University of Windsor community were onboard the ill-fated flight in January 2020. Zahra Nahibi and her spouse Mohammad Abapour Ghadi, Samira Bashiri, Hamidreza Setareh Kokab, and Pedram Jadidi were among 176 people killed when Iran shot down the jetliner with two surface-to-air missiles just after takeoff from Tehran.
Fifty-five were Canadian citizens, and another 30 were permanent residents.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced the new pathway for those who lost family who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those approved to work or study in Canada. They were previously ineligible for permanent residency.
"We reaffirm our commitment to compassion, justice, and human rights," said Miller. "Canada continues to honour the victims of Flight PS752 in solidarity with their families and loved ones who have suffered immeasurable loss."
Information on how to apply for permanent residency is on the IRCC website.
"This new pathway to permanent residence is welcome news by the families of Flight PS752 victims, especially families of student victims," said Kourosh Doustshenas, the spokesperson and chair of the Association of Families Flight PS72 and the Government Stakeholders Relations Committee.
Last summer, the International Court of Justice said it was reviewing the case. If the review is successful, a hearing to investigate the tragedy will commence.
The Association of Families of Flight PS752 is also pursuing a case through the International Criminal Court and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
