Quebec Solidaire wants to regularize the status of 10,000 immigrants by 2023
Immigrant Workers Center (IWC) members gathered in Parc-Extension on Saturday to demand that the Quebec government implement a regularization program for young non-status immigrants and their families.
Quebec Solidaire (QS), present at the rally, proposes regularizing 10,000 people in the program's first year, with eligibility criteria established by the federal government.
The measure aims to significantly improve the living conditions of immigrant children and teenagers by allowing them to complete their schooling in Quebec, among other things. Currently, young people with a precarious status—that is, who do not have refugee status or permanent residence—cannot enroll in CEGEP or university.
"They speak French, they have completed high school here, they are on sports teams, they are successful (...) These young people are Canadians. They are Quebecers. We must give them permanent residence as soon as possible so that they can focus on their development and their future," said Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, new MNA for Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne and immigration lawyer.
For Andrés Fontecilla, the QS MNA for Laurier-Dorion, the situation is "extremely worrying."
"There is a two-tier society being created: people who have rights and status, and all those who live in obscurity and invisibility. (...) We need a political solution that comes from the federal government but which is also accepted by the CAQ government', he said.
Young immigrants also testified at the event, expressing their fear of possible deportation.
"I love the school, my colleagues and my life here. I am an athlete, and I have won competitions in Quebec. But now I'm finishing high school, and I'm afraid I won't be able to continue my education and go to CEGEP. I am afraid that my family and I will be deported when my whole life is here," said a 19-year-old who didn't want to be identified.
-This report from The Canadian Press was first published on March 25, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.