Toronto March Urges End to Deportations as Parliament Resumes

Migrants, refugees, and their supporters gathered in Toronto’s west end on Sunday to demand that the Canadian government grant permanent residency to all newcomers and halt deportations. The demonstration, which concluded the day before Parliament resumed its session, was part of a coordinated series of marches across the country aimed at challenging recent federal immigration restrictions.

Organizers argued that migrants are being unfairly blamed for Canada’s economic challenges, such as housing affordability and rising tariffs. According to Sarom Rho, coordinator of the Migrant Workers’ Alliance for Change, the government is scapegoating individuals who contribute significantly to society through care work and food production, rather than addressing the systemic issues driving the current crisis.

Personal Stories Highlight Systemic Uncertainty

Attendees shared personal accounts of the difficulties faced by those without secure status. Bikramjit Singh, an international student who arrived from India in 2019, described the stress of holding a closed work permit that limits him to a single employer. He noted that the lack of a clear path to permanent residence creates an environment where exploitation is easy and long-term planning is impossible.

Singh’s experience reflects a broader trend affecting many newcomers who arrived under previous policies promising stability. The uncertainty surrounding their legal status has left many vulnerable, as they are required to work to survive but lack the protections that would prevent mistreatment in the workplace.

Policy Shifts Impact Student Populations

The rally coincides with significant changes in federal immigration policy, including the introduction of Bill C-12 and the implementation of caps on international student permits. According to preliminary estimates from Statistics Canada cited in the report, Ontario is set to lose more than a third of its international student population this year due to these restrictions.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that the government aims to align immigration levels with Canada’s capacity and needs. While the administration describes this as a move toward sustainable growth, critics argue that the rapid shift has exacerbated fears and uncertainty among communities that have relied on the country’s welcoming reputation.

Experts Warn of Rising Xenophobia

Ethel Tungohan, a professor of politics at York University, told CBC that tightened immigration measures have contributed to increased xenophobia and racism across the country. She emphasized that despite Canada’s liberal image, its history contains numerous examples of excluding racialized immigrant groups, a pattern she believes is re-emerging under current policies.

As MPs return to Parliament, the focus will likely turn to how the government responds to these public demands. The coming weeks are expected to be critical for determining whether legislative efforts will continue to restrict immigration or if there will be a shift toward addressing the rights and stability of current residents.