Organizations and MPs gathered Saturday morning in front of the office of federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller to prevent the imminent deportation of a worker and trade unionist.
“It’s a tragedy and an absolute injustice because [c’est] a hard worker, someone who has been an essential worker in hospitals during the pandemic, who has contributed to Quebec society, who has a job, who is active, who is involved in Quebec society, who is integrated into the Quebec society, which is appreciated by everyone,” said the New Democratic MP for Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Alexandre Boulerice, during a press briefing.
Shaitan Rajpurohit arrived in Quebec in 2019 as an asylum seeker. He quickly got involved in society, whether as an essential worker during the pandemic or as a volunteer in the food aid sector in his neighborhood.
“I have witnessed the tireless work that Shaitan has carried out in defense of rights in Quebec, whether through his contribution as an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic or his involvement as a volunteer at Parc- Extension, in my constituency. And how do our governments recognize its contribution? We’re kicking him out! This is unacceptable,” underlined the solidarity MP for Laurier-Dorion, Andrés Fontecilla.
If he still has a little difficulty expressing himself in French, the man who, among other things, campaigned for the unionization of Amazon employees in Quebec understands the language of Molière perfectly.
“I feel that my work in Quebec is not finished. I have so much left to do! Plus, I have a job. My employer supports me and wants to keep me. He needs me. I ask for nothing other than to be able to continue my life here,” concluded Shaitan Rajpurohit.
– With information from Anne-Sophie Jobin, TVA Nouvelles
