Press releases

Denounce New Immigration Restrictions and Amplify Migrant Workers’ Voices

Montreal, November 8, 2024 - The Centre for Immigrant Workers invites you to a press conference to address the latest changes in immigration policy and the government’s false promise to implement a regularization program. In recent months, the Canadian and Quebec governments have implemented a restructuring of the Program for Temporary Foreign Workers, International Students and Asylum Seekers. The announced measures directly affect several precarious worker groups and will lead... Read more →

May 1, Rally for International Workers’ Day

On May 1, 2024, as we observe International Workers' Day, our focus is on the theme "United for our working and living conditions." We extend a heartfelt invitation to join us in taking to the streets to address the escalating costs of living and the decline in our working conditions, social safety nets, and public services. With its recent reforms favoring employers, inclination towards privatization, and its stance on labor... Read more →

An open letter from 29 organizations: Stop deportations, regularize undocumented migrants!

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister Marc Miller, Two years ago, while the pandemic and lockdown were still with us, you, Mr. Prime Minister, asked the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to explore "ways to regularize the status of undocumented workers who contribute to Canadian communities" and who played an essential role during the pandemic, sometimes at the cost of their lives. Two years later, on the occasion of commemorating... Read more →

Migrants made scapegoats by Quebec and Canadian immigration policies

PRESS RELEASE Migrants made scapegoats by Quebec and Canadian immigration policies Montreal, November 2, 2023. - The Quebec and Canadian governments have announced their immigration plans, specifying immigration thresholds for the coming years. Putting the thresholds on hold, while ignoring the hundreds of thousands of temporary foreign workers, asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants already in the country, is tantamount to pointing the finger of blame at them for our social,... Read more →

IWC-CTI stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people

The Immigrant Workers Centre stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people The Immigrant Workers Center strongly condemns the war crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza, including the unscrupulous murder of thousands of civilians and the massive deportation pressure that has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. We recall that the root source of the violence lies in the apartheid and illegal occupation imposed by Israel on the... Read more →

Migrant workers launch campaign and class action lawsuit

The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and a group of migrant workers will discuss the situation thatgave rise to a class action lawsuit that was filed this morning. The IWC and the workers aresuing a placement agency operating under the name Trésor and its client company Newrest, amultinational that provides catering services to major airlines at the Pierre Elliott TrudeauAirport. This lawsuit has been filed by the law firm Trudel Johnston... Read more →

Migrant workers, victims of human trafficking, demand adequate protection

Montreal, July 20, 2023. With the ever-increasing use of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which fails to guarantee the rights of these workers, abuses and violence against them are multiplying. Five migrant workers, victims of human trafficking, contacted the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC) and decided to testify to their experiences and to denounce the shortcomings of protection measures for migrant workers in vulnerable situations. Fraud, forced labour and threats: the... Read more →

28 Organizations Demand Regularization of Undocumented Migrants

Twenty-eight Quebec community organizations and unions have joined forces to call for the rapid implementation of a truly inclusive regularization program for undocumented migrants, as have hundreds of organizations supporting this cause across Canada. The signatory organizations particularly deplore the delay in implementing the program, at a time when immigration policies are keeping more and more migrants in precarious situations. They also call for an immediate freeze on deportations and... Read more →

Status for All … AT LAST!

Montreal March for Status for All As the federal government is in the process of developing a regularization programme for undocumented migrants, precarious status migrants and their friends, neighbours and allies will march together to demand a full regularization programme for ALL. Sunday, 17 July 2022 2pm at Place Emilie Gamelin (Berri UQAM metro) The Federal government is moving forward on new plans for a regularization programme for undocumented migrants.... Read more →

PRESS RELEASE – QUEBEC, October 25, 2021

For immediate release "He touched me and there was nothing I could do" Women without immigration status want to be able to file a complaint against their employers QUEBEC CITY, October 25, 2021 - Harassed and threatened by a co-worker for several weeks to the point of contemplating ending her life, Nina had no choice but to quit her job to put an end to the sexual violence she was... Read more →

Resolution Demanding the Protection of Human Rights at Dollarama: Press Conference Faced with the Resolution Submitted by the BCGEU to the Dollarama Shareholders’ Annual General Meeting

Montreal, June 8, 2021. – To the Dollarama shareholders’ annual general meeting, scheduled for June 9th, a resolution has been submitted by the British Columbia Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU). The resolution stresses the need to insure the human rights of workers and requests that “Dollarama prepare a report outlining how it assesses and mitigates the human rights risks arising out of its use of third-party staffing agencies for... Read more →

Pour Montréal « responsable et engagée » : appuyant la Motion à soutenir la régularisation des personnes sans statut légal vivant sur son territoire

Montréal, le 22 février 2021. La Motion visant à soutenir la régularisation des personnes sans statut égal vivant sur son territoire, proposée par Mme Giuliana Fumagalli et appuyée par M. Marvin Rotrand, sera discutée aujourd’hui au Conseil de la Ville de Montréal. Des organisations oeuvrant auprès des personnes à statut précaire ou sans statut, Centre des travailleurs et travailleuses immigrants (CTI), Association des travailleurs et travailleuses temporaires d’agence de placement... Read more →

The Curfew: a dangerous hypocrisy for workers with precarious status

An open letter from the ATTAP Women's Committee - January 2021 Community groups have been saying it for almost a year now. Sanitary measures have a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable or marginalized populations. Despite these denunciations from all sides, and while the Quebec Superior Court has just decreed the exemption of people experiencing homelessness from the curfew, the CAQ stubbornly maintains the curfew along with increased police surveillance... Read more →

City of Montreal: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

The city of Montréal has been talking the talk with community groups and activist networks fighting for regularization for years. It's time to walk the walk!   For Immediate Release, Friday, February 5th   The Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) and other groups have been in consultation with the Ville de Montréal since 2017, including a recent meeting last week surrounding the impacts of the curfew on undocumented people in the... Read more →

Press Release: “End curfew repression! Stop police harassment!”

The IWC issues four demands to protect precarious essential workers   Montreal, January 26, 2021. Precarious workers demand an immediate end to the harassment, detention, ticketing and arbitrary bullying of essential workers without status by police on the pretext of enforcing the curfew. The Immigrant Workers Centre demand that the following policies be implemented immediately:   A don't ask, don't tell policy for workers without status Acceptance of the essential... Read more →

Precarious Immigrant Workers Respond to Legault’s Policy Trainwreck: The Coalition Against Precarious Work Ask Legault Listen to Their Demands

MONTREAL, December 12, 2020: The coalition against Precarious Work invites media to an online press conference. Workers will present their misgivings about current policies and demands related to workplace health and safety and immigration policy. Online Press Conference: 11 a.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020 Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sfuCtqDkjHNQ1udMxnibXZbocmT_WIaeF Campaign Launch event: 6 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020à Register for the Zoom event here: https://bit.ly/2VVyeIk Removing snow from truck trailers is dangerous... Read more →

Montreal Artists Support Dollarama Workers’ Campaign for Justice

Open letter published in collaboration with the Immigrant Workers Center Today in Montreal, front-line workers at Dollarama are campaigning for justice. These workers are courageously denouncing unsanitary working conditions in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. While Dollarama warehouse workers in Montreal point to health risks and inadequate compensation, retail store workers are also demanding fairer working conditions. As Montreal artists, we support these workers' demand for justice. This campaign... Read more →
Temporary Agency Workers Association (TAWA-ATTAP)

Open Letter to François Legault

Dear Prime Minister, During this pandemic time, we would like to draw your attention to the plight of undocumented migrants. These are essential and ignored workers for whom we demand : Access to an income for the duration of the pandemic. A health card with all the privileges it gives all citizens. Issuance of Certificats de sélection de Québec, which allow people to apply for permanent residency at the federal... Read more →

Essential Work should not be Precarious Work: Workers speak up for better conditions during COVID-19 Pandemic

What: Press Conference (Zoom link available by request) When: 10am Friday May 1st, 2020 Who: Coalition against Precarious Work Jorge Frozzini, Community Organizer Immigrant Workers Centre Charles, former Dollarama warehouse worker living in Montreal Nord Andrew and his mother, meat processing plant worker Eric, Current agricultural worker and Temporary Foreign Worker Celina San Juan, precarious worker fighting for her status and access to the CERB Jennifer, a caregiver who has... Read more →

An income allowance, regardless of status

Call Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: (613) 992-4211   Call your Member of Parliament: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en    The government announced income support measures last week, and the corresponding legislation will be debated tomorrow. The details - who will qualify, how much and for how long - will be decided at that time. Now is the time to ensure that no one is left behind. You must act immediately. When you call, remind... Read more →
iwc logo

Temporary suspension of public office hours

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 -- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Immigrant Workers' Centre (IWC-CTI) is suspending its hours of operation and its legal clinic. If you have any questions regarding work-related issues or your status as a migrant worker, please call (514) 342-2111 or email us at iwc_cti@yahoo.com. Leave your name and phone number. We will contact you within 24 hours. We will post important information for workers regarding... Read more →
walmart works cause we work

Warehouse Workers Commission Report and Launch

An evening of food, culture and testimonials Saturday, November 23, 2019, 4 pm - 6 pm Immigrant Workers Centre, 4755 Ave Van Horne Suite 110, Montréal https://www.facebook.com/events/2678167875566768/ The Immigrant Workers Centre would like to invite you to participate in the launch of our report which was based on a two-year investigation on the conditions faced by warehouse workers in Montreal. There will be an event on Saturday, November 23rd at... Read more →
Travailleurs guatemaltèques

Historic legal victory for migrant workers’ right to employment insurance

Press release   Immigrant Workers Centre, Mouvement Action-Chômage de Montréal, Association of Progressive Jurists (AJP)   Montreal May 24, 2019   On May 10th, 2019, the Tax Court of Canada made a historic ruling in recognizing that temporary foreign workers can be eligible to receive employment insurance (EI) benefits, even if they have worked without a valid work permit.   Accompanied by the Immigrant Workers Centre, a group of approximately... Read more →
Lucy-detention_centre_bnner

“That was a kidnapping”: CBSA cuts fence to deport Lucy Granados with only the clothes on her back

Press Release   Supporters call on Minister Hussen to Bring Lucy Home   Montreal, 16 April -- Lucy Francineth Granados arrived in Guatemala late on April 13th with only the clothes on her back after a turbulent final morning in Canada. Prevented from removing Lucy from the Laval Immigration Detention Centre by around 50 community... Read more →
Lucy_day3_horizontal

Supporters demand justice, proper medical attention for Lucy Granados, who faces deportation Friday, April 13, 2018

Press Release Montreal, 11 April 2018 - Supporters of Lucy Francineth Granados demand recourse for rights violations as well as appropriate medical attention for the single mother of three, who is facing deportation to Guatemala on April 13th, after living in Montreal for nine years. On Monday, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) refused to grant an administrative stay of deportation to Lucy; on Tuesday, the agency opposed her motion... Read more →

COMPTE RENDU LA JOURNÉE DE RÉFLEXION SUR LE SALAIRE MINIMUM À 15 DOLLARS DE L’HEURE AU QUÉBEC

COMPTE RENDU LA JOURNÉE DE RÉFLEXION SUR LE SALAIRE MINIMUM À 15 DOLLARS DE L’HEURE AU QUÉBEC Campagnes unies pour le salaire minimum à 15 $ l’heure Ce document est un compte rendu rédigé par le comité de coordination des campagnes unies pour le salaire minimum à 15 $ l’heure, basé sur les discussions menées lors de la « Journée de réflexion sur le salaire minimum à 15 dollars de... Read more →

Le regroupement régional se retire du processus gouvernemental

Communiqué de presse -- Pour publication immediate   Le regroupement régional chargé des consultations locales sur la discrimination systémique et le racisme annonce qu’il se retire du processus gouvernemental   Saguenay, 3 novembre 2017 – Le regroupement régional d’organismes chargé de mener les consultations locales dans le cadre de la « Consultation sur la discrimination systémique et le racisme au Québec », devenue le « Forum sur la valorisation de... Read more →

Consultation on systemic discrimination and racism in Quebec – Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Section Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean         Press release -For immediate release- A group of organizations has been given the responsibility for completing local consultations on systemic discrimination and racism in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Saguenay, September 26, 2017 - The regional branch of the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC) has been given responsibility for organizing local consultations as part of the Consultation sur la discrimination systémique et le racisme au Québec, in partnership with... Read more →

IWC Meets with the Office of Minister Angès Maltais, Demanding Action (Press Conference)

When: Friday May 24th, at 6pm Where: In front of 800 Square Victoria, Montréal, QC H3C 1E8 Who: Migrant workers will be present to speak about their experiences and explain their demands On Friday, May 24th, a coalition of organizations who defend the rights of people struggling with precarious work and will meet with representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity (Minister Agnès Maltais). This meeting follows... Read more →

Montreal demonstrators demanding “STATUS FOR ALL” for migrants in Canada

Migrant justice organizations marching in four contingents from neighborhoods across the City of Montreal PRESS POINT (before the demonstration) SATURDAY, MAY 18 at 10AM at Phillips Square (Union & Ste-Catherine) contact: solidaritesansfrontieres@gmail.com / 438-875-7243 (cell) info: www.solidarityacrossborders.org for updates during the march, follow @SolidariteMTL on twitter Speakers at the Press Point will include members of Dignidad Migrante, the Immigrant Workers Center, Mexicans United for Regularization, No One Is Illegal-Montreal and Solidarity Across... Read more →

A mexican refugee and her Canadian daughter is detained the day before the Status for All March

Press Conference Friday, May 17th, 9:30am Immigration Canada 1010 Saint-Antoine Ouest, Montréal   With the friends of Ms Guzman and a representative of the Status for All Coaltion   Media Contact : 514-619-3648, 514-632-0072   The day before the annual status for all march for all migrants and for the end of detentions and deportations, six Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents violently entered the home of non-status Montrealer, Norma Guzman,... Read more →

The Immigrant Workers Centre celebrates migrant workers struggles through art

When: Saturday May 11, 2013 from 6:30pm-10:30pm Where: CEDA, 2515 Delisle (metro Lionel-Groulx)MONTREAL- May 9, 2013- The Immigrant Workers Centre is gearing up for its' eighth annual MayWorks festival. This year’s event will feature a debut performance of the Immigrant Workers Centre Community theatre project. Co-created by workers and for workers, the project aims to enable workers to share stories of resistance and dignity in struggle Engaging with a variety of... Read more →

Migrant workers respond to federal and provincial governments’ ‘double-assault’ on rights of temporary foreign workers

Notice to the media Migrant workers respond to federal and provincial governments' 'double-assault' on rights of temporary foreign workers Wednesday May 1st, 2013 at 10 A.M.   Immigrants Workers’ Centre, 4755 Van Horne, office number 110 (Plamondon Metro), Montreal.   This May Day, a coalition of temporary foreign workers, live-in caregivers, temporary agency workers and workers without status is speaking out about changes announced Monday by the federal government to... Read more →

Press conference May 1st.

Notice to the media   Press conference on the petitions made to the Minister of Labour Agnès Maltais and follow-up on the consultation of April 5th, 2013.   Wednesday May 1st, 2013 at 10 A.M.   Immigrants Workers’ Centre, 4755 Van Horne, office number 110 (Plamondon Metro), Montreal.   During the last consultation on April 5th, several organisations that fight for the rights of the most vulnerable groups in our... Read more →

Community Groups Demand Better Protection for Precarious Workers

For immediate release April 3, 2013 Community Groups Demand Better Protection for Precarious Workers   On April 5th, the Immigrant Workers Center (IWC) and allied community organizations will put forward demands for a provincial law protecting precarious workers during a public assembly. Banding together under a common banner, domestic workers, migrant workers, undocumented workers and temporary agency workers will present their case pushing for legislation that includes CSST coverage for... Read more →

St-Joseph Migrant Worker Violently Accosted at Agricultural Workers’ Mass at St. Joseph’s Oratory

- For Immediate Release- Montreal, July 17 2012- Migrant worker and activist Noe Arteaga Santos was violently accosted and detained during a mass held for seasonal agricultural workers at St.Joseph's Oratory. Arteaga Santos had been present at the mass alongside members of Dignidad Migrante, Mexicans United for Regularization, and the Immigrant Workers Centre as part of a press conference held to raise awareness regarding the implications of the recent Bill... Read more →

Media Advisory: Rally in support of migrant farm worker

Friday May 11, 8:00 am Holiday Inn, 99 Viger Avenue West (Metro Place d'Armes), Montreal A rally in support of Noé Arteaga and temporary migrant farm workers seeking justice and dignity in Quebec. Les Serres du St-Laurent Inc, a Quebec company which produces Savoura tomatoes, summarily fired and deported Arteaga Santos to Guatemala after he and other workers participated in a work stoppage to draw attention to the plight of... Read more →

Montréal International Women’s Conference set for August 13-16, 2010

Media Advisory, Montreal, Quebec, Friday, August 6, 2010 The first Montreal International Women’s Conference hosted by the Committee of Women of Diverse Origins is set to get underway August 13-16, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec. For close to a decade a group of Montreal-based women have been working tirelessly to improve women’s lives here and abroad. They are the Committee of Women of Diverse Origins, and as the name suggests, their... Read more →