For two months, foreign workers on Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) have been protesting changes to immigration policies. On Wednesday, advocacy groups joined their cause, as the provincial government remains resolute in its efforts to alter P.E.I.’s image as an easy route to permanent residency.
The demonstrators are opposing immigration policy amendments announced in February that decreased the number of permanent residency nominations for those employed in sales and service. Instead, the revised policy prioritizes nominations for sectors deemed critical by the government: healthcare, trades, manufacturing, processing, and early childhood education.
Advocacy groups, including the Cooper Institute and BIPOC USHR, held a news conference on Wednesday urging the government to exempt foreign workers already residing in the province from the new rules.
“We need to keep spreading the word because it’s crucial not only for the workers but for our communities,” said Joe Byrne of the Cooper Institute. Nouhad Mourad, a community relations coordinator with BIPOC USHR, echoed this sentiment, stating that the workers are being unfairly blamed for the province’s housing crisis and healthcare shortages.
“It’s very unsettling for the immigrant and racialized communities on P.E.I.,” Mourad said. “I believe everyone should stand with them.”
Mourad emphasized that the issue extends beyond a single community, highlighting the broader implications of the government’s abrupt policy changes without proper consultation or consideration of their impact on residents.
The province’s immigration office reported that it has engaged with numerous workers to explore alternative pathways for staying in P.E.I., which could involve changing professions or seeking other provincial or federal programs.
In an emailed statement to CBC News, the province acknowledged that while these alternative options might not meet the workers’ expectations, they remain viable choices for those holding work permits.
In June, Jenn Redmond, the Minister of Workforce, Advanced Learning, and Population, sent a letter to protest organizer Rupinder Pal Singh, which was shared with CBC. The letter stated that there would be no policy changes in the foreseeable future.
P.E.I.’s population growth has been the fastest in Canada for over a decade, a trend the letter described as unsustainable. It noted that as of May, over 12,000 individuals had expressed interest in seeking permanent residency through P.E.I., but only 1,590 would be invited to apply.
“Our province has not promised or guaranteed permanent residency to anyone,” the letter said. “Those who moved here voluntarily, whether after studying in other provinces or living elsewhere in Canada, sought permanent residency on their own accord. Prince Edward Island has been seen as an easy place to obtain permanent residency, a reputation we are working to change.”
The policy changes have led to hunger strikes by Singh and other protesters. On Wednesday, Singh announced that the hunger strike had ended after 12 days due to health concerns for one participant. He mentioned that about 20 people had left the country, either because their work permits expired or they lost hope of obtaining permanent residency. Others, whose work permits are nearing expiration, plan to apply for visitor status and continue protesting.
The protesters, who were previously staying overnight outside the provincial legislature, have now set up on land donated by local church groups.
“We are not illegals seeking shelter,” Singh said. “We are hardworking individuals asking the government to give us what we rightfully deserve.”