Foreign Workers End Protest as P.E.I. Stands Firm on Immigration Policy

After months of persistent demonstrations, a group of foreign workers has concluded their protest in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, following the province’s unwavering stance on its immigration policy, according to a Saltwire report. The group, which had established an encampment around St. Paul’s Church since June, dismantled their makeshift homes after the province reaffirmed that it would not reverse its recent decision.

Protest organizer Rupinder Pal Singh described the protest as a grueling and difficult experience, expressing his dismay over the government’s response. “The government forced us to leave,” Singh lamented in an interview with The Guardian on September 6. “We did everything we could, but the result is not what we hoped for.”

The federal government had previously announced that foreign nationals with valid or expired work permits as of May 7, and a support letter from their province or territory, could apply for an open work permit. However, Singh and other protesters were disheartened to learn that P.E.I. would not participate in this program. According to Singh, this exclusion was a significant setback, considering the years of hard work and tax contributions many of these workers had made in Canada.

The provincial government confirmed its decision in an email to The Guardian, citing priorities such as managing growth and improving infrastructure. “The changes to our immigration programs were made to ensure that P.E.I. remains a great place to live and work,” the email stated. “We need to slow down growth to build more homes, expand health care, and ensure services for all Islanders.”

Singh noted that the province’s refusal to join the federal program led many protesters to leave, with more expected to follow. “Indeed, this wasn’t the answer we wanted, but this is the answer we have. Well, we can’t do anything to change it. We tried our very best, but yes, this thing has created a doubt in my mind. Is this the place that I was looking to make my home?”

Adding to the complexity of the situation, immigration consultant Rattandeep Singh from Visa Insights Immigration Services Inc. commented on the implications of the provincial decision. “The refusal of P.E.I. to participate in the federal program has left many foreign workers in a difficult position,” Rattandeep said. “It’s crucial for provinces to align with federal initiatives to ensure a fair process for all workers who contribute significantly to their communities.”

Singh also expressed frustration over being scapegoated for broader issues such as the housing crisis and health care mismanagement. “They blamed 200 people for the housing crisis, the health-care mismanagement, and all these massive problems,” he said. “Who will they blame next?”

The end of this protest marks a turning point for both the foreign workers and the province as they navigate the implications of this unresolved immigration policy dispute.