Mr. Speaker, the second petition I am tabling today has been brought to me by members of the Ukrainian community. They highlight that more than 200,000 Ukrainians have found safe haven in Canada since 2022. While the cost of living is affecting Canadians across the country, it is also deeply challenging for newcomers. Many face emotional and financial pressures, including the high costs of importing personal belongings from Ukraine.
Canada's current duty-free limit for international packages remains at just $20, and that has not changed since 1992. Because of this, Ukrainians are often subject to customs duties when receiving personal items sent by their families, which makes their lives more difficult.
The petitioners urge the government to raise the duty-free limit for packages from Ukraine to at least $150, which is in line with humanitarian principles and reciprocal measures under the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.