Ottawa, September 20, 2026. – The day before the Canadian Parliament reconvenes—and in the midst of the Quebec election campaign—migrants and their allies will rally in Ottawa to demand migrant justice. This action is part of the Canada-wide mobilizations held on September 19 and 20 (MigrantRights.ca/Sep20). In eleven cities across Canada–Charlottetown, Fredericton, Guelph, Kelowna, Montreal, Niagara/St. Catharines, Ottawa, Owen Sound, Sudbury, Toronto and Vancouver–, migrants and allies are calling for renewed work permits, an end to exploitation and deportations, and permanent resident status for all.
From “guardian angels” to scapegoats
Throughout Canada’s history, the contributions of migrant and immigrant populations have been essential. The COVID-19 crisis has reminded us that their contributions are indispensable even for the survival of our society. Without them, our farmlands would not have been cultivated, our healthcare systems would not have functioned, and our so-called “essential” services would not have been provided. However, in the aftermath of this pandemic, governments have begun to blame them for social problems for which they are not responsible, such as housing issues, unemployment, and pressure on public services. The reality is, they continue to contribute to the Canadian economy and society.
Policies of restriction and intensified precariousness
The Government of Canada, as well as the Government of Quebec, have drastically reduced the number of admissions for both permanent and temporary immigration. In addition, they have implemented several restrictive measures. For example, the validity period of work permits under the Low-Wage Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been reduced to one year, several requirements have been added for obtaining a post-graduation work permit, and the majority of family members of international students and international workers can no longer obtain work authorization. These measures were implemented without any protective measures for those already present in the country. As a result, more and more people are losing their immigration status—even after years of work or study—with no clear pathways available to maintain or restore their status or obtain permanent residence.
From mass regularization to mass deportations
In 2022, the Government of Canada announced its intention to regularize the status of a large number of people who had lost their immigration status. However, in 2024, the government publicly rejected this intention and began deportations en masse. In 2025,
23,160 people were deported, compared to 17,397 in 2024. In 2026, in eight months, 14,897 people were deported. The adoption of Bill C-12, Strengthen Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, now gives the government greater authority to reject asylum claims, access migrants’ personal information, and amend or overturn immigration decisions.
Quotes
“More and more international students and migrant workers live in fear and anxiety every day. Their long-cherished dreams of a better future were shattered overnight by swift anti-people policy changes. They live in fear from what they see in the news, such as the recent intervention by the Canada Border Services Agency in Calgary against migrants participating in a peaceful demonstration or the widespread arrests of undocumented people in Montreal. Our reality is becoming increasingly similar to what we see in the United States.” – Aimee Beboso, Chairperson, Migrante Ottawa
“The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec unfairly blame migrants and immigrants for problems caused primarily by the failure of their public policies. After bringing them here to fill job vacancies—in many cases under poor employment and working conditions—the governments are throwing them into precariousness and uncertainty.” – Rose Fontep, coordinator, Immigrant Workers Centre Outaouais
Demands
The organizer groups and their allies are urging governments to protect migrants’ rights and respect international law. They are therefore demanding the following:
– stop scapegoating migrants and immigrants;
– renew work permits of people already in Canada;
– stop deportations;
– ensure status for all.
About
The rally is organized by
1. Migrante Ottawa
2. Migrants Rising Ottawa
3. Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (MWAC)
4. Immigrant Workers Centre Outaouais (IWC Outaouais
5. International Migrants Alliance Ottawa (IMA Ottawa)
6. Migrant Rights Network (MRN)
The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) is an international network that brings together migrant and immigrant organizations in more than 42 countries. As a regional chapter of the IMA, IMA Ottawa comprises the Immigrant Workers Centre Outaouais (IWC-Outaouais), Migrante Ottawa, and Migrants Rising Ottawa. The Migrant Rights Network (MRN) brings together migrant and refugee organizations, worker organizations, legal clinics and community groups across Canada.
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Information Cheolki Yoon, IWC: 438 837-7067, outaouais.iwc.cti@gmail.com
Source: International Migrants Alliance Ottawa
Media Coverage
The September 20 mobilizations also received national and regional media attention, helping bring migrants’ demands into the broader public debate. Radio-Canada reported on the mobilization for equal rights for immigrants and covered migrant organizations’ demands in the context of Quebec’s provincial election campaign. CBC News also covered the cross-Canada day of action, including rallies in British Columbia and the wider call for migrant rights, permanent status and an end to deportations.
Media coverage:
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