Weaving Our Worlds is joining 250+ organizations across Canada to stand with international students from Portage College and defend migrants’ right to protest.
International students were already protesting unfair changes to the rules affecting their post-graduation work permits. In mid-July they set up a round-the-clock protest. On August 12, Calgary Police called CBSA to it. Ten protesters were issued removal orders that same day. They spoke out because they had been treated unfairly. They should have received justice. Instead, they faced immigration enforcement.
What happened in Calgary matters to all of us, because migrants are part of our movements and our communities. Migrants are our co-workers and union members, students and teachers, neighbours, congregation members, organizers and activists. Migrant workers must be able to walk a picket line. International students must be able to protest government policy. Refugees and undocumented people must be able to speak out and organize. Migrants must be able to exercise these rights without putting their future in Canada at risk.
Hundreds of organizations are standing with the students. We are committing to stand with migrants when they speak out. Along with 250+ organizations, we are making four demands:
- 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.
Individuals: sign the petition
Organizations: add your name to the open letter
Everyone: support the Portage Student Legal Fund