2025 – Policy Recommendations

About Us & Our Objectives

Turkish-Canadians are cognizant of their history in Canada, starting in the industrialization endeavour of Canada in the 1890s in Brantford, Ontario. They came in thousands and prospered until 1914. The migration of Turks to Canada took different turns throughout the next century.

Today, the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations is an umbrella organization representing 19 member associations stretching from Victoria, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations (FCTA), established in 1985, has been connecting Turkish Canadians to celebrate and promote Turkish culture and heritage and to foster community activities. It is a non-profit and non-political NGO, providing observations which could bring about a positive outcome for everyone.

The FCTA, aims at supporting another layer of independent voices of Turkish Canadians in the Canadian social landscape and to see the positive reflections of this pluralism on Canada-Türkiye relations for the common good of two friendly nations.

Our Perspective

We believe that the Canadian ideal should never be taken for granted. It needs to be nurtured and defended intelligently and thoughtfully, when and where necessary. In Canada, we have the means to do this. Yet, Canadians’ diligence and vigilance are required against actions to undermine our social harmony.

We perceive Canada and Türkiye as strong partners.

We believe that, with technological advancements on board, there is every reason for both countries to further focus on strategic areas from energy to education, from agriculture to mining, including seamless defence industry cooperation.

We know that none of the above could not be materialized without ensuring proper connectivity between Türkiye and Canada. Increasing flight frequency holds the key to the connectivity required by the popular demand emanating from ever-increasing interaction between Türkiye and Canada. The current number of 12 flights weekly from all destinations in Canada to Türkiye is utterly insufficient and has to be addressed without delay.

The FCTA wishes to establish and strengthen constructive relations in amity with all the communities in Canada to make our home and nation more resilient, stronger, and prosperous.

Our Projections

Canada is our home. Türkiye is where our original roots are, and today, we have our roots in our new home.

The multiculturalism of Canada gracefully not only allows us to not forget the Turkish language and customs but to nurture it. This is why we continue to observe Türkiye and wish the best for it.

We support and celebrate Canada’s alliance with Türkiye in NATO for 73 years and the two countries` working relationship in G20, OSCE and the UN.

We expect from Canada its pursuit of maintaining a rules-based international order on a non-selective basis.

To make this more clear, we give importance to see an egalitarian attitude in the application of this principle towards different regions and regional crises, namely, the Middle East, Caucasia, Aegean and the Black Sea and against the destabilizing actions in these parts of the World.

In the same vein, we anticipate Canada’s strong acknowledgment of:

The volatile and difficult neighbourhood that Türkiye is located in and magnitude of threats to its national security,

The importance of fight against terrorism and the solidarity in confronting terrorist threats from PKK, in particular,

The value of promoting peaceful resolution of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in accordance with international law and avoiding lopsided approaches favouring Armenia over Azerbaijan,

The damage which is inflicted on the interests of Canada by adopting populist positions, especially with regard to Armenian claims, which are now being questioned by even the Armenian leadership itself,

The contributions that Türkiye has been making to both regional and global stability and security by its mediation efforts, humanitarian assistance campaigns, economic development aids and defending international law and morality in its region and beyond,

The benefits of Türkiye and Canada joining hands in strengthening economic and defence cooperation as well as solidifying solidarity in confronting common challenges.

Equal Humanitarian Support for Earthquake Survivors

Canada lent a hand to people in need following the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye. The TS2023 visa program provided short-term relief — but those who arrived in Canada under this program now face uncertainty and neglect.

Initially offered to Turkish citizens with family in Canada, the TS2023 visa was later extended to any Turkish citizen affected by the disaster. While this was a welcome step, it fell significantly short of meeting the long-term needs of those who fled one of the worst natural disasters in modern history. Unlike the 3-year open work and study permits granted to Ukrainians and Iranians — or permanent residency options provided to Haitians — Turkish citizens received a time-limited visa with no clear path to security or settlement.

Many survivors are now under immense pressure, with expiring visas, limited access to services, and no direction from federal authorities. The burden of support has fallen on community organizations like the FCTA, who are doing the work of helping newcomers secure housing, employment, and trauma support — responsibilities that should be led by government.

This inconsistent approach reveals a troubling double standard. It is not just a policy gap — it is a moral failing to uphold Canada’s humanitarian principles equally for all.

At the same time, Turkish international students — not limited to earthquake survivors — are also facing significant setbacks due to recent policy changes. In recent years, Turkish students have constituted one of the fastest-growing international student populations in Canada, especially in colleges. However, new restrictions on work hours and lack of targeted support are reversing this trend.

International students affected by the earthquake are still paying full international tuition rates, despite their humanitarian status. Neither provincial governments nor universities have created mechanisms to reduce these costs or offer targeted aid. As a result, many students are being pushed out of the system — financially and emotionally.

Key Policy Recommendations

1. Establish a Permanent Residency Pathway for TS2023 Visa Holders

Model this on the PR options offered to Haitian nationals, or at minimum, extend open work and study permits for an additional three years.

2. Introduce Domestic Tuition Options for Earthquake-Impacted Students

Grant domestic tuition rates to TS2023 students in line with humanitarian principles and parity with Canadian residents.

3. Reverse Barriers Affecting All Turkish International Students

Review and restore prior work eligibility rules for international students, particularly those from Türkiye, whose numbers are rapidly declining due to recent restrictions.

4. Fund a Targeted Federal Integration Support Program

Include trauma counseling, settlement assistance, academic guidance, and employment supports, with delivery coordinated alongside trusted community organizations like the FCTA.

Protecting Communities from Discrimination and Promoting Inclusive Dialogue

The Turkish and Azerbaijani communities in Canada have been subject to increasing discrimination through distorted historical narratives and political bias. Certain interest groups undermine both the social harmony of Canadian society, and international peace.

Selective historical narratives and political biases have contributed to an increasingly discriminatory environment for Turkish and Azerbaijani Canadians. Canadian policies must reflect the values of fairness, balance, and protection for all communities — especially in the face of politically motivated accusations. However, Turkish Canadians continue to face generalizations and stigmatization arising from contested historical claims, particularly around the events of 1915.

Despite Türkiye’s long-standing call for a joint historical commission and dialogue, one-sided political positions in Canada persist. These views are increasingly out of touch with developments on the ground — even Armenian leadership has begun to question the genocide narrative. Türkiye and Armenia have recently embarked on a normalization process aimed at improving bilateral relations without preconditions. As a result of this dialogue, direct flights resumed on February 2, 2022, and plans were agreed upon to open the border for third-country citizens and start air cargo trade by July 1, 2022. Türkiye remains committed to advancing peace through gradual, confidence-building steps in line with broader regional developments.

Despite this progress, polarizing domestic narratives in Canada — including motions and legislation that unilaterally assign blame — not only jeopardize intercommunity harmony but risk undermining these sensitive international efforts. Biased actions also embolden extremism and harassment against Turkish and Azerbaijani Canadians. These narratives not only threaten social harmony in Canada but also undermine ongoing peace and normalization efforts in the South Caucasus region.

Key Policy Recommendations:

Incorporate the perspectives of all involved communities on legislative resolutions that are of sensitive, historical nature

Unilateral recognition of sensitive events that are still under scholarly debate, subject certain communities to discrimination

Recognize and Support Ongoing Normalization Between Türkiye and Armenia

This will domestically encourage healing and mutual understanding by supporting projects that bring together Turkish, Armenian, and Azerbaijani Canadians around shared values and peaceful coexistence.

Strengthening Bilateral Economic and Strategic Cooperation

In an era of international trade wars, rising protectionist trends and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Canada must diversify its global economic relationships. Türkiye, a G20 member, is a compelling partner.

The implementation of American tariffs on Canadian products brings about three key issues: disruption of significant Canadian export sectors, investor and market uncertainty as a result of economic instability, and straining of existing integrated supply chains due to rising costs and longer production times. Subsequently, increasing costs in producing Canadian goods decreases the competitiveness of Canadian products abroad. Thus, Canada must forge new economic relationships to prevent further increases in production costs, and to diversify target markets.

The Government of Canada describes Türkiye as an “emerging market of broad interest to Canada.” In the 2010s, free trade negotiations commenced between Canada and Türkiye which resulted in the first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting in 2019. The goal of the Canada-Türkiye JETCO is four-fold: improve economic relations, increase cooperation in trade and investment, enhance commercial cooperation, and ensure favourable environments for two-way bilateral investments. In 2023, bilateral trade between Canada and Türkiye was valued at over $4 billion–an underwhelming valuation comparative to actual trade potential.

In summary, in the midst of economic instability amidst tariffs and despite Canada being the G7 member with the most Free Trade Agreements (15 agreements covering 61% of the world’s GDP), Canada must find new trading partners to offset the consequences of American tariffs. Türkiye is a viable economic partner because it is seen as an emerging market for Canadian goods, it has a GDP of $1.5 trillion, and most importantly, there is already an existing foundation for a Free Trade Agreement to be signed.

Key Policy Recommendations:

Reinvigorate Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with Türkiye using the JETCO Framework

A Free Trade Agreement would reduce tariff-related barriers, and greatly benefit the agricultural, energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Ease Canadian export restrictions on dual-use and defense technologies

This will enhance bilateral investments and allow Canadian companies to tap into Türkiye’s rapidly growing and advancing defense industry.

Promoting Regional Peacebuilding & Stability

Türkiye, a vital NATO Ally and defense technology hub, is surrounded by regional instability and conflict. Canada can rebuild its reputation as a global peacebuilder by working with Türkiye towards finding resolutions and building regional stability.

Türkiye is located in an extremely volatile and conflict-ridden neighbourhood. To Türkiye’s north is the Russian invasion of Ukraine. To the West are the Aegean Island Disputes. To the East are Armenian provocations of Azerbaijan. To the South are the Israel/Hamas conflict and the Question of Cyprus. Despite all this, Türkiye has remained a stable state and is committed to establishing peace and stability in the region.

The Government of Canada recognizes the joint effort of Canada and Türkiye in “defending democratic values and global security within the framework of international law and global security.” The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reciprocates this sentiment by stating that “cooperation within the framework of NATO, developments in Ukraine, Syria, Caucasus, and the fight against terrorism constitute the most significant dimensions of bilateral relations.” As such, Türkiye is a vital player in geopolitical developments in its neighbouring regions where it has acted as a mediator in the Black Sea Grain Corridor Talks and the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict Negotiations. In addition as a NATO member, Türkiye has contributed fundamental support to Ukraine while providing NATO a line of communication with Russia.

To summarize, Türkiye’s unique positionality in its geographic proximity to regional conflicts, its hard and soft power in the region, and its existing alliance with Canada provides Canada with the perfect opportunity to reclaim Canada’s reputation as a global peacebuilder. Türkiye has NATO’s second largest military and is home to one of the most advanced military technology industries in the world, making Türkiye an invaluable partner in building and maintaining peace worldwide.

Türkiye is an Indispensable Ally

Denying Türkiye advanced defense capabilities weakens NATO rather than strengthening it. Türkiye has:

The second-largest military in NATO, securing the alliance’s southern flank.

Been a reliable partner in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and the Black Sea in various military and humanitarian missions.

Played a vital role in counterterrorism, energy security, and regional stability, far outweighing the misleading narratives propagated by interest groups seeking to undermine Canada–Türkiye relations.

Decisions on arms sales should be based on strategic security interests, not lobbying efforts rooted in historical grievances. Türkiye remains committed to its NATO obligations, counterterrorism efforts, and regional diplomacy. It is in the best interest of Canada to reinforce this partnership rather than weaken it.

Key Policy Recommendations:

Work with Türkiye in Humanitarian and Stabilization Efforts in Ukraine, Gaza and Syria

Canada and Türkiye have a complementary partnership through Canada’s trusted humanitarian diplomacy and Türkiye’s operational capacity

Encourage NATO Cohesion and Trust Building Measures in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and South Caucasus

As a neutral NATO ally, Canada through NATO channels can lead and champion a return to UN-led negotiations on the Aegean Disputes, Question of Cyprus and peacebuilding measures between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Strengthening Everyday Inclusion for the Canadian Turkish Community

Diplomacy and trade matter — but so does everyday dignity. For Canadian Turkish citizens and residents, the success of multiculturalism is not just measured in speeches or symbolism, but in systems that work, policies that include, and barriers that are removed.

If Canada values its relationship with Türkiye, and if it takes pride in its identity as a multicultural democracy, then it must also commit to ensuring that the daily experiences of Canadian Turkish individuals reflect fairness, accessibility, and respect.

Key Federal Recommendations:

Enhancing Air Connectivity Between Canada and Türkiye

Air travel plays a vital role in fostering people-to-people ties, advancing economic cooperation, and supporting academic, cultural, and diplomatic engagement between Canada and Türkiye. However, the current air service framework between the two countries remains significantly underdeveloped relative to the growing demand and depth of the bilateral relationship.

Challenges Identified:

Members of the Canadian Turkish community experience limited and costly air travel options, which hinder mobility and cultural continuity.

Existing routes are overly concentrated and insufficient in frequency, with few direct flights beyond major cities such as Toronto.

A lack of airline competition and limited access to secondary cities in both countries has constrained capacity, convenience, and affordability.

Recommendations:

The Government of Canada, in coordination with Transport Canada and Turkish civil aviation authorities, should prioritize expanding the bilateral air services agreement to enable increased flight frequency and capacity.

Turkish Airlines, while a key partner, should not be the sole operator of routes; Canada should actively encourage additional carriers to enter the market, thereby fostering competition and offering greater accessibility.

New direct flight routes between additional Canadian cities (e.g., Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa) and major Turkish destinations (e.g., Ankara, Izmir) should be pursued to reflect the demographic realities and evolving mobility needs of both countries.

This initiative would not only address the growing needs of Canadian Turkish citizens and residents but also contribute to broader bilateral objectives in trade, tourism, education, and diplomatic outreach. Expanding and diversifying air connectivity is an essential step toward realizing the full potential of the Canada–Türkiye partnership.

Recognize Türkiye’s Driver’s Licenses in Canada

Türkiye is a trusted NATO partner and G20 nation. Yet, Turkish citizens arriving in Canada must often repeat the full licensing process, despite years of safe driving experience.

The federal government should work with provinces and territories to establish a mutual driver's license recognition agreement with Türkiye, as exists with many other OECD nations. This would reduce systemic inequity, support economic mobility, and honour the dignity of new residents.

Expand Turkish Language Access Across Key Federal Services

Access to services in one’s mother tongue is not a luxury — it’s a right in a multicultural society.

We call for enhanced federal support for Turkish language interpretation and translation, particularly in immigration services, senior care, youth mental health, and social programs. As Canada supports community-based service delivery, it must ensure that Canadian Turkish residents are not left behind due to language barriers.

Formal Recognition of Turkish Heritage Month at the Federal Level

Turkish Heritage Month, celebrated in October across Canada, is a meaningful occasion to honour the contributions of Canadian Turkish communities and to share the richness of Turkish culture and heritage with all Canadians. We respectfully request that the Government of Canada formally recognize Turkish Heritage Month at the federal level — with dedicated programming, symbolic inclusion, and funding support through Canadian Heritage.

The Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations, on behalf of a diverse and rapidly growing community of over 150,000 Canadian Turkish residents — including individuals with roots in Türkiye, East Turkestan (Uyghurs), Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and others — has long advocated for this recognition. Canadian Turkish individuals contribute meaningfully to every sector of Canadian society: healthcare, education, engineering, skilled trades, small business, academia, entrepreneurship, and public service.

The historical presence of Turkish people in Canada dates back to the 1880s. While early settlers faced unjust treatment during World War I — including designation as ‘enemy aliens’ under the War Measures Act — their legacy lives on. The Turkish Cemetery Plot at Mount Hope Cemetery in Brantford, Ontario stands as a solemn and enduring testament to their sacrifices and contributions.

Beginning in the 1960s, Canadian Turkish cultural and community associations began to flourish, starting with Montreal in 1964, Toronto in 1965, and Ottawa in 1971. These community hubs have played a critical role in preserving language, traditions, and intergenerational unity — while fostering civic participation and integration within Canada’s multicultural framework.

Canada and Türkiye share over a century of diplomatic engagement and are both senior NATO allies, G20 members, and partners in UN peacekeeping. From shared history at Gallipoli to recent memorial collaborations in St. John’s and Çanakkale, the bonds between our nations are deep, historic, and ongoing.

The official recognition of Turkish Heritage Month would send a powerful message to current and future generations — acknowledging their place in Canada’s national story and strengthening mutual understanding through the celebration of culture, resilience, and shared legacy.

We extend our sincere thanks for your continued support and look forward to working together toward this meaningful milestone.