On Thursday, the Progressive Conservative party called for the resignation of Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino, accusing her of issuing threats to protesters seeking to remain in Canada.
Interim Tory leader Wayne Ewasko led the party’s critique during question period, citing concerns raised by the international community, who have requested anonymity due to fears of retribution.
PC immigration critic Jodie Byram (Agassiz) presented a redacted letter she received, alleging that Marcelino had suspended Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program draws for skilled workers and the international education stream “due to protests.”
The program conducts monthly draws to invite candidates, including those with temporary work permits or studying at post-secondary institutions, to apply for permanent residence status.
Many individuals affected by expiring work permits and student visas have expressed urgency, with two previous protests held outside the legislature to highlight their concerns.
According to the tabled letter, there were warnings of further protests leading to a four-month suspension of draws, with previous demonstrations prompting continuous draw suspensions by the minister.
“Freedom of assembly is a fundamental charter right,” stated Ewasko (Lac du Bonnet), emphasizing the seriousness of violating this right as an abuse of power.
Interim Liberal leader Cindy Lamoureux acknowledged receiving similar correspondence indicating potential jeopardy to the draws if protests persisted.
Marcelino refuted the allegations during the session, emphasizing her lack of involvement in determining draw schedules or access to individual files.
Responding to reporters outside the chamber, Marcelino dismissed the accusations as “completely false,” attributing delays to a backlog exacerbated by previous Tory cuts and changes to federal policies regarding work permit extensions.
Marcelino (Notre Dame) disclosed her request to Ottawa for a three-year work permit extension to address the backlog of 6,700 applications, expressing concern for affected individuals facing expiring permits in 2024.
She reiterated her support for protesters’ rights, citing her own experiences on the opposite side of demonstrations as a reflection of people’s democratic entitlement.
Marcelino indicated plans to discuss the work-permit extension request with federal and provincial counterparts on May 10, aiming for a resolution to alleviate uncertainties faced by impacted individuals and businesses.