Indian students in Prince Edward Island (PEI) have been protesting against recent changes to immigration rules implemented by the Canadian province for the past two months. Their efforts have gained support from various advocacy groups as PEI aims to move away from its reputation as an easy path to permanent residency.
Organizations advocating for immigrants and people of colour, such as the Cooper Institute and BIPOC USHR, held a press conference on Wednesday, July 3, titled "Fair PNP Rules," urging the government to exempt foreign workers already residing in the province from the new rules, according to a CBC News report.
"It's very chilling for the immigrant and racialised communities on PEI, so I think anyone and everyone should be standing up with them," said Nouhad Mourad, a community relations coordinator with BIPOC-USHR. BIPOC USHR, which stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour United for Strength, Home, Relationship, is a non-profit organization based in PEI.
Mourad argued that foreign workers are being unfairly blamed for the housing crisis and healthcare shortages in PEI. She highlighted that this issue impacts not only the Indian community but the entire immigrant population, setting a dangerous precedent for future policy changes.
Joe Byrne from the Cooper Institute also emphasized the need to continue advocating for more flexibility from the government. "We have to keep getting the message out because it's so critical to the workers but also to our communities," Byrne told CBC News.
The protest, led by Rupinder Pal Singh, was sparked by changes to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rules announced in February. These changes aim to reduce the number of immigrants by 25% in 2024 due to the strain on PEI's healthcare system and housing market.
Despite meetings with numerous workers to explore alternative pathways for them to remain in PEI, such as changing professions or other programs, Minister Jenn Redmond stated in late June that there would be no immediate policy changes.
A letter from the province's office of immigration underscored the rapid population growth in PEI and the high demand for permanent residency. "As of May, more than 12,000 people have submitted an expression of interest in hopes of seeking permanent residency through PEI, but only 1,590 will be invited to apply. Our province has not promised or guaranteed permanent residency to anyone," the letter stated, as reported by CBC News.
Singh mentioned that around 20 individuals have left the country due to expired work permits or lost hope of obtaining permanent residency. Others plan to transition to visitor status and continue their protests.
"We are not illegals looking for shelter. We are just hard workers asking [the government] to give us the right thing, what we deserve," Singh emphasized, according to CBC News.
