Migrants and allies will take action across Canada on September 20
Today, more than 250 organizations across Canada—including The United Church of Canada, labour unions, civil liberties organizations, faith groups, migrant and refugee organizations, climate groups, academics, and community organizations—stand together behind four demands arising from a recent incident involving international students from Portage College in Calgary.
On August 12, 10 people were handed removal orders after being identified at a protest, the first time Canada’s federal immigration enforcement has targeted people at a protest. The four demands by the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC) are:
- An independent investigation into the actions of Calgary Police and CBSA on August 12
- Immediate suspension of the removal orders
- Clear public policies so that peaceful protest never leads to immigration enforcement, whatever a person’s status
- A resolution for the Portage College students under the rules that applied when they enrolled
“There is something profoundly unjust about people raising their voices because they have been treated unfairly, and then facing immigration enforcement for doing so,” says Rev. Michael Blair, General Secretary of The United Church of Canada. “No one should have to choose between speaking the truth about injustice and remaining with their family and community in Canada, which further contributes to the marginalization of the migrant sector and silences too many important voices. The United Church of Canada finds this marginalization and oppression of voices unjust and supports actions to bring justice to these silenced voices.”
MWAC today also issued a statement and launched a petition to support the students, who protested along with supporters after their post-graduation work permits were denied when they finished school. The open letter (which will remain open for signatures), an individual petition tool, and a Know Your Rights for Protest resource for migrants can be found here.
In the spirit of migrant justice that is central to the ministry of The United Church of Canada, there is so much more that you can do. Be one of thousands of voices to ensure this never happens again.
Day of Action is September 20
On Sunday, September 20, one day before Parliament returns, migrants and allies will take action across Canada against deportations, exploitation, and migrant scapegoating, and for permanent resident status for all. Read this current list of actions being held across the country.
If an action has not yet been announced in your city, please organize one. The Migrant Rights Network has created this toolkit, and is available to support organizations that want to bring people together locally.
Please mobilize your members, supporters, and communities for September 20. Thank you for standing with migrants. Across the country, migrants, foreign students, and refugee claimants are being targeted by harsh legislation. Bill C-12, introduced earlier this year, denies access to hearings and places refugees at serious risk of deportation without adequate protection.
It is imperative that organizations across the country speak up and push back. Contact your local Member of Parliament, and ask them to use their voice in Ottawa to raise alarm about the harm caused by the actions in Calgary and by Bill C-12.