Update:
- June 4: Video report, CityNews: Advocates denounce tracking detainees
- June 2: A detailed report by CityNews: CBSA deporting undocumented worker to COVID-ravaged India despite pleas from family, advocates
- May 30: Communiqué following the rally and the photos
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*** Rally on Saturday, May 29th at 11am ***
In front of Metro Parc (corner of Ogilvy et Hutchison)
https://www.facebook.com/events/233874385170579
Jatinder Singh is facing deportation to India on June 15, 2021, amidst a devastating second wave of COVID-19 in India. At present, COVID-19 cases and deaths are surging in India, and flights from India to Canada have been suspended since April 22, 2021. Jatinder’s case suggests that the CBSA is resuming deportations from Quebec, after quietly suspending them in October 2020. We are still waiting for a clear answer from them.
Jatinder became undocumented three years ago, after his refugee claim was refused and he was ordered to leave Canada. Like many people without status, he decided to stay here, because it is home. After working throughout the pandemic as a truck driver, he was arrested following a minor car accident and spent two months in detention. He was released last week with an electronic tracking bracelet, which he must wear 24h a day until his deportation. The CBSA has increasingly been using this measure to expand its surveillance and control over migrants. Not only are these bracelets inhumane, but their use has serious impacts on the mental health of migrants and their loved ones. In addition, Jatinder’s family must pay 800$ a month for the bracelet!
We denounce the detention and deportation of Jatinder Singh, as well as the use of electronic tracking bracelets!
We are calling instead for status for all, and for a comprehensive, ongoing regularisation program for all migrants!
Join us for a rally in solidarity with Jatinder, and with all non-status migrants!
Status for all!
No to deportations!
No to detention!
No to electronic tracking bracelets!
*** Call and send e-mails to ministers in support of Jatinder Singh ***
Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety
E-mail: Bill.Blair@parl.gc.ca
Phone : 613-995-0284
Fax : 613-996-6309
Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
E-mail: Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca
Phone : 613-992-6361
Fax : 613-992-9791
You can also use this text as inspiration for e-mails, or modify it slightly if you want:
‘’I am writing to ask that you stop the deportation of Jatinder Singh to India, which is scheduled for June 15, 2021, and that you release him from his electronic tracking bracelet.
The COVID-19 situation in India is so catastrophic that even flights from India to Canada have been suspended. Why then should an undocumented person be less protected than the rest of the population of Canada?
Furthermore, electronic tracking bracelets are increasingly used by CBSA to expand its surveillance and control over migrants. Not only are these bracelets inhumane, but they have serious impacts on the mental health of migrants and their loved ones. What Jatinder needs is freedom and status, so that he can live in dignity with his family and community. Please act now, so that Jatinder and his family can stop living in constant fear- and please do the same for all non-status people!’’