Live-In Caregivers Speak Out Against Arbitrary Quebec Government Measures
A press conference took place in Montreal on May 5 with
a
group of foreign domestic workers, whose access to permanent
residence has been affected by Bill 9, An Act to increase
Québec's socio-economic prosperity and adequately meet labour
market needs through successful immigrant integration. According
to the Centre for Immigrant Workers, which organized the press
conference, more than 80 women who came to Quebec under the Live-In
Caregiver Program have come forward to say they fear for their
future because of the bill.
 Although these workers came
to Quebec as part of the
federal
government's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the
specific program they fall under differs from others with regard
to applying for permanent residence. Persons admitted under their
program are able to apply for permanent residence after a few
years of service under the Regular Skilled Worker Program
(RSWP).
All these workers began the process to obtain permanent
residency. And although it has been some time since the federal
Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
sent them a letter acknowledging that they meet permanent
residence eligibility requirements, their Quebec application has
been either suspended or delayed by Bill 9.
The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Diversity and
Inclusiveness (MIDI) stopped sending out Quebec Selection
Certificate (CSQ) application forms in December 2018. Those
who had already submitted a CSQ application received an email
from MIDI on February 7, the date Bill 9 was introduced
in the National Assembly, informing them that the handling of
their applications had been suspended. An injunction issued by
the Superior Court of Quebec then forced MIDI to continue
processing a backlog of 18,000 CSQ applications. However, it was
only after a complaint was lodged that some of these domestic
workers were sent the documents they required to apply for a CSQ.
As things presently stand, some have received a CSQ application form
for
themselves as the principal applicant but not for their family
members, while others who applied have received no
CSQ application form.
"We have been in Quebec for at least four years and have
worked hard for Quebec families, children and seniors. We want to
remain here with our families and continue to contribute to the
society," said Jennifer Rentiquiano. "The stress and anxiety this
is causing us is unjust after having fulfilled all our
obligations in becoming new immigrants to Quebec," she added.
"Everyone, the agencies and government of Canada
personnel
told us we would be able to obtain permanent residency and I did
everything I had to do. I am scheduled to give birth in July and
am worried about my status. Without being guaranteed status, what
can I do for my child?" asked Genie Zonoria Tagalogon. Many
others have children in the Philippines waiting to join their
mothers whom they have not seen for years.
"We are the only source of revenue for our family in our
country of origin. We have received the letter of eligibility
from the Canadian government. We worked hard while hoping that we
would be able to remain in the country. We are now faced with the
unexpected news that our applications have been suspended," said
Baby Aurea Santos Albay.
Jasmin de Calzada, a representative of the Filipino
Women's Organization of Quebec (PINAY),
noted that "Since the beginning
of the 20th century, Canada has largely relied on migrant workers
to provide care for families, particularly children. These
workers came to Canada and worked hard in the hope of a better
future for their children."
This article was published in
Volume 49 Number 17 - May 11, 2019
Article Link:
Live-In Caregivers Speak Out Against Arbitrary Quebec Government Measures
Website: www.cpcml.ca
Email: editor@cpcml.ca
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