Canada is currently facing widespread protests as over 70,000 international student graduates find themselves at risk of deportation due to recent federal immigration policy changes. The affected students, many of whom arrived in Canada with the hope of building a new life, are now watching their dreams crumble as the expiry of their work permits looms. These changes, combined with restrictions on study permits, have left students, particularly from South Asia, in a precarious position. But a crucial question that has surfaced during these turbulent times is: Is Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the NDP, responsible for these mass deportations?
The Role of Federal Policy Changes in Mass Deportations
The Canadian government has introduced significant changes to its immigration policies, leading to a situation where thousands of international graduates are facing the possibility of deportation. The work permits issued under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) are nearing expiration, and the pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) have become increasingly uncertain.
While Jagmeet Singh and the New Democratic Party (NDP) have been vocal about advocating for fair immigration policies, the responsibility for these policy shifts lies primarily with the federal government, which is led by the Liberal Party under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Singh and the NDP have often championed the rights of workers, immigrants, and vulnerable populations, but they are not the architects of the current policy framework causing distress for international students.
Government’s Stance on Temporary Workers and Economic Shifts
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking at a recent Liberal cabinet retreat in Halifax, acknowledged the significant role foreign workers played during the COVID-19 pandemic to alleviate labour shortages. However, he also pointed out that the country's economic needs have shifted since then. As a result, the federal government has enacted policies aimed at limiting the influx of international students and temporary workers, causing many to face deportation when their work permits expire.
Although Jagmeet Singh and the NDP may be influential voices in Canadian politics, they do not control immigration policy decisions. The Liberal government has been the one driving these changes, including stricter work permit regulations and fewer opportunities for PR via programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which has left thousands of students stranded without a clear path forward.
Student Protests and Growing Outrage Across Canada
The frustration among international students has reached a boiling point. Protests have erupted across the country, with large gatherings taking place in provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island. Advocacy groups like the Naujawan Support Network have taken a central role in these protests, demanding
