A small protest led by international students at Portage College in Calgary in August caught the attention of local police, who then called in Canada’s border service. Quickly, several attendees were arrested and 10 faced deportation orders. They had been protesting being denied the work visas promised to them upon graduation.
Over 300 organizations across the country responded with a letter calling the arrests a violation of freedom of expression rights and creating a chilling effect on speaking out about government policy.
On Sept. 19 and 20, the Migrant Rights Network (MRN) organised nation-wide protests to demand justice as Parliament resumed its fall sitting.
“What’s happening to migrants is just telling of what’s going to happen to all working people in this country who dare to speak up for justice,” says Sarom Rho, co-ordinator of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change at Toronto’s protest which began at Christie Pits.
Member organizations and supporters advocated for: permanent resident status for present and future immigrants; automatic renewal of expired and expiring work and study permits to make sure no one is exploited or deported; ending employer-tied permits and ensuring equal labour rights, safe housing, healthcare access etc. and stopping the removal, detention, separation and attacks on refugees.
“It’s really hopeful to see that thousands across the country this weekend are calling for unity and organizing for justice,” Rho says.
Women from the South Asian Women’s Rights Organization (SAWRO) shared existing barriers their members have finding work, affording safe housing and accessing social services.
“When you have no status, even asking for help seems risky,” says one SAWRO speaker.
This article appeared in the 2026 Oct/Nov issue.
