Montreal: At a press conference outside federal government offices in Montreal this morning, Solidarity Across Borders and allies announced ambitious plans, including a seven-day march from Montreal to Ottawa, to build support for an ongoing, comprehensive regularization programme for all migrants with precarious status.
“We are not here to talk about what is possible … we are here to talk about what human dignity and justice require, what we must do to stop the destruction of the world. From 18 July to 25 July, we will take the road to Ottawa to demand Status for All. Mr. Trudeau, we are tired of waiting. We’re coming.” announced Hady Anne for Solidarity Across Borders.
Spokespeople from allied movements also spoke at the press conference in support of the initiative.
“The COVID-19 pandemic shone a brutal light on already existing social inequalities, putting the most marginalized at greatest risk of getting COVID and dying of it. When they get sick, undocumented migrants are denied access to healthcare. It’s a shame, and only immediate and comprehensive regularization can put an end to this injustice,” said Nazila Bettache, doctor and member of the Caring for Social Justice Collective.
“The housing shortage and the current pandemic disproportionately affect tenants in vulnerable situations, especially people without status who cannot access subsidized housing because of Quebec’s low-rental housing rules. People should be able to access social housing, regardless of their immigration status. It is one of the only safeguards against discrimination and an alternative to the abuses of the private market. The needs are great; it is more important than ever to invest massively in social housing for all.” added Youssef Benzouine, community organiser for FRAPRU.
Rama Diallo, union activist from the health sector, treasurer of the Conseil central du Montréal métropolitain de la CSN, stated, ‘Lack of recognition and precarious immigration status mean precarious jobs with very poor working conditions, atypical schedules, undervalued work and low wages.”
Seven Day Historic March To Ottawa
