Government's Inhuman Justifications for Resuming DeportationsAt the very end of November, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) began notifying immigration lawyers that as of November 30 it would resume deportations. The expulsions had been on hold since March 17. CBSA Director of Enforcement Chris Lorenz sent an email indicating that following consultations with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, removals were to begin once again. He added that deportees would be provided with non-medical masks, gloves and hand sanitizer during the trip. "The decision was made taking into account the various global factors with respect to COVID-19, such as a gradual reopening of countries, the emergence of viable vaccination options, and coordinated strategies amongst countries and air transport companies to mitigate possible transmission," Lorenz wrote. He also noted that the decision to halt most of the removals during the pandemic "was an exceptional measure that was not shared by the international community." "The timely removal of failed claimants plays a crucial role in supporting the integrity of Canada's asylum system," the CBSA said in a statement, adding that it "has the legal obligation to remove individuals who have no legal right to stay in Canada as soon as possible." The federal government has said it will continue to make exceptions for claimants from 14 countries where it claims their safety could be jeopardized.[1] CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy said that "the agency will not be removing those who may be eligible to qualify for permanent residency under the guardian angels public policy." The program, announced on August 14, has yet to be finalized. She added that the number of deportations will "continue to be significantly reduced for some time, and all individuals will continue to have access to all recourse they are entitled to under the law." Officials from Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino's office also confirmed that those who may be admissible under the special program would not be deported. "We can guarantee that with regard to these people, there will be no removals" officials said, confirming that they are working in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, in charge of deportations. However, they added that they "cannot guarantee that security agents or cleaning women will not be deported." Note1. Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza Strip, Haiti, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen. (With files from CBC News, Radio-Canada, CTV News, Canadian Press)
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