Protesters demand ‘status for all’ undocumented migrant workers, refugees
Posted July 18, 2021 4:18 pm.
Last Updated July 18, 2021 8:32 pm.
MONTREAL (CityNews) — Montrealers took to the downtown streets Sunday morning demanding the government provide status for undocumented migrant workers and refugees.
The march was organized by the group Solidarity Across Borders as part of a week of action in Montreal and Ottawa.
“Those people are living here already, they already adapt to this environment and they are suffering for lack of health care,” said Abdoul Kane from Solidarity Across Borders. “Treat them like every Canadian.
“We want to ask for a program that’s going to include everyone. We want something very human. We want status for all.”
Supporters say Canada needs to grant full immigration status to all migrants and undocumented workers currently living in the country in precarious situations ─ and it needs to be done without exception.
“As an immigrant here as a visible minority ─ I was not born here ─ because I went through the official channels, how come I get these rights?” said protester Runye Gan. “But someone else who is also trying to have a better life, maybe fleeing war, can’t have the same opportunities as I do.
“I know about people who can’t even go see the doctor when they’re sick because they’re scared of being deported. I spoke to people who have been in deportation centres and can’t even eat what they want and they haven’t done anything.”
#WATCH: Protesters chanting “status pour tous” or “status for all” as they begin their march in the downtown core. @CityNewsMTL pic.twitter.com/IDLHeoghqW
— Alyssia (@rubertuccinews) July 18, 2021
In April, Ottawa announced a new policy that will grant permanent status to temporary workers employed in healthcare and other jobs deemed essential. Applicants must have at least one year of work experience in Canada, be authorized to work and be able to speak English or French.
RELATED: Refusal rate for immigration on humanitarian and compassionate grounds rising: data
Some protesters say this policy leaves many vulnerable people behind.
“It is very important to regularize those people who have sacrificed their lives for society, working, putting themselves in danger,” said Mohamed Barry from Solidarity Across Borders. “A lot of them got the COVID, a few of them have died. Very important to regularize everyone.”
Added protester Anne-Marie Saint-Cerny: “Those people here need our help, they helped during COVID, they help all the time. So it’s time now to act now as we are, as Canadians, and we say welcome and thank you very much and we’ll help you.”
Solidarity Across Borders is planning a march from Montreal to Ottawa.
