Dozens of international students and activists braved the rain on Saturday to block traffic near Shoppers World in Brampton, demanding extended work permits for approximately 70,000 students facing potential deportation.
The protest, organized by the Naujawan Support Network, saw demonstrators march from Kaneff Park with the slogan “good enough to work, good enough to stay.” They called on the federal government to extend post-graduation work permits (PGWP) set to expire over the next year.
Participants argued that international students were vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and deserve to stay in Canada. They briefly blocked the intersection of Steeles Avenue and Hurontario Street, while Peel Regional Police monitored the situation without making any immediate arrests.
The protest is part of a series of nationwide demonstrations advocating for a five-year work permit and better pathways to permanent residency for international students. The movement highlights concerns over the backlog in permanent residency applications, which leaves many PGWP holders in limbo.
Earlier protests in Prince Edward Island and British Columbia have made similar demands, as recent changes to international student programs have tightened regulations and increased costs. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown mentioned that over 70 diploma mills have been barred from recruiting international students, while Ottawa has capped student intake and doubled the cost-of-living requirement for study permits.