An encampment led by international students protesting deportations and calling for changes to Canada’s work permit regulations has ended after nearly 150 days of non-stop demonstrations in Brampton.
The protests, organized by the Naujawan Support Network (NSN), began with a summer march before evolving into an encampment near Highway 410. The demonstrators demanded a resolution to the “severe backlog” of permanent residency applications and reforms to what they described as broken promises by the Canadian government regarding pathways for international students and workers.
Though the encampment was shut down on Monday, the protesters say their movement is far from over.
“This is not an end but a transformation. We are shifting gears, adopting new strategies, and preparing to come back stronger, more powerful, and even more united,” said a committee of protesters through the NSN.
The protest highlighted the precarious situation faced by approximately 70,000 international students facing deportation due to expiring post-graduation work permits (PGWPs). Demonstrators called for:
- Extensions for PGWP holders set to expire in 2024-2025.
- A fair and transparent pathway to permanent residency.
- An end to exploitation tied to the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) system.
PGWPs enable international students to gain work experience in Canada after graduation, often a critical step toward permanent residency. However, protesters said that application backlogs and systemic inefficiencies have created uncertainty for thousands.
The movement garnered support from prominent organizations, including:
- Ontario Federation of Labour
- Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Peel
- United Steelworkers Toronto Area Council
- Ontario’s trucking associations
The protests also led to a significant policy change regarding LMIAs, with Canada now refusing applications in areas where unemployment exceeds 6% and wages fall below provincial thresholds.
“Through sustained pressure, the committee won a policy change to LMIAs last month, which removes the source of much of that exploitation,” the NSN stated.
While the physical encampment has been dismantled, protesters remain committed to their cause. Plans include mobilizing broader support, adopting new advocacy strategies, and intensifying efforts to secure long-term solutions for international students and workers in Canada.
“This is just the beginning of a stronger, more united fight,” the committee declared.
As the federal government continues to face criticism over its handling of immigration and labour policies, the actions of these protesters underscore the urgent need for systemic reform to address the challenges faced by Canada’s international student population.