Montreal migrant workers hold rally demanding permanent residency and proper status 

Several people gathered to rally for International Migrants Day on Wednesday in Montreal.

Migrant workers, along with the support from allies across Quebec and Canada held “A Day without Migrants” press conference to shed a light on their contributions while demanding equality and justice.

The groups claim that despite promises from the federal and provincial government, they have introduced new measures targeting temporary workers, international students, and asylum seekers.

“We’re talking about people’s lives, who are here, who are working, have families and who are doing so much for us to be able to live our lives and access the products that we want to access,” said Montreal activist Laura Doyle.

They claim these new policy’s have increased migrants’ vulnerability by forcing them to live and work without the proper status or rights. 

The groups have several demands including stopping the new immigration measures for those who are already in the country and ensuring access to permanent residency.

They also want a new inclusive program and to suspend all deportations and detentions. 

“A few years ago, we were talking about essential workers and cheering them on during the first few months of the pandemic because they were doing work that is needed for our society to function. They’re still doing this work, but we’ve suddenly seen a shift in the public narrative coming from politicians, and in the media about these workers and their place in society,” explained Doyle. “We see that shift happening close to the elections, so we really see this discourse being used as a way to gain political power.”

Additionally, the migrant workers want all closed work permits to be abolished, with permanent residency granted to all temporary workers. 

Lastly, they groups want to be supported while learning the French language with proper resources and assistance.