MONTREAL—Soon after an earthquake destroyed much of Haiti in 2010, the Canadian and Quebec governments announced plans to fast-track the immigration of families impacted by the disaster.
Under the plan, siblings would be able to sponsor their brothers and sisters. However two-and-a-half years later, Jodler Vital described a process that was slower than he ever imagined.
"The medical tests they were asked to do took three months to get the results," said Jodler.
In January 2010, Jodler and his wife started filling out the paperwork to bring his siblings here. Only recently did he receive approval to bring six family members to Canada.
That airport reunion happened weeks ago and the arrival area of Trudeau airport was where Jodler, for the first time in three years, saw his siblings. It was also the first time his children got to meet their aunts and uncles: six people with newly minted permanent resident status, all happy to be in Canada.
"I am very happy to be here," said Veronique.
Sister Jacqueline is not only overjoyed to be in Canada—she's lucky to be alive. The earthquake brought her house down on top of her.
"I was stuck for seven hours," said Jacqueline. "My hand was crushed, but we all survived and that's what counts."
After a month in Montreal, siblings Veronique, Jacqueline and their families are slowly adjusting to life in Canada, with Jodler’s help.
"We sit together and plan the week. Who is going to clean that day, who is going to cook that day," said Jodler.
The family is also re-discovering each other–and learning how to deal with their strong personalities. Jodler is helping his family find work with great success. So far, four of the six are employed.
Nearly three years after an earthquake destroyed much of Haiti, 3,824 people from the devastated country have immigrated to Quebec.
The province handed out more than 6,000 selection certificates based on the program. It ended this past summer.
