Judge grants stay of deportation for Quebec 'guardian angel' Mamadou Konate
A Montreal janitor who was facing a deportation order to Ivory Coast will get to stay in Quebec a little longer after a human rights lawyer’s efforts to keep him in Canada seem to have worked — at least for now.
Known as one of Quebec’s “guardian angels” for working in long-term care homes at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Mamadou Konaté fought the deportation order over fears his life would be in danger.
His lawyer, Stewart Istvanffy, confirmed to Noovo Info on Wednesday that a judge granted a stay of deportation. Konaté was preparing for the worst; his bags were already packed and he was ready to leave Friday.
The judge issued a stay of deportation until the end of the proceedings in federal court or an evaluation under section 42.1 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to lift his inadmissibility in Canada, according to Istvanffy.
The lawyer suspects his client will be allowed to stay in Canada permanently. Konaté was a member of a group that had revolted against the government of Côte d'Ivoire.
"It's like we would be saying Nelson Mandela was inadmissible to Canada,” said Istvanffy.
Konaté has been in Canada for more than six years. The Quebec government promised to fast track asylum for those working on the front lines during the pandemic, but only nurses and orderlies qualified.
His supporters praised the court’s decision on Wednesday.
“A first battle won!” tweeted Andrés Fontecilla, Quebec Solidaire’s immigration critic, on Wednesday.
Alexandre Boulerice, deputy leader of the NDP and MP for Montreal’s Rosemont--La Petite-Patrie Victoire borough, who has also helped advocate on behalf of Konaté, celebrated the good news as well.
“Victory! Hopefully everything will end well, but already thank you to everyone who supported Mamadou!” he said on Twitter.
Last summer, activists held a rally in support of him outside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office in Montreal’s Papineau riding to call for status for Mamadou Konaté and others in his position.
Konaté was still working at a long-term care home in September 2020 when he was detained at the Immigration Holding Centre in Laval.
He was eventually released by a federal court, but had remained under threat of deportation ever since.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.