Skilled trade workers from across Ontario gathered for a third consecutive day of protests outside Queen’s Park on Wednesday, challenging the recent dismissal of hundreds of Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) applications. Over a hundred workers, braving the cold in winter jackets and toques, held signs urging the province to reconsider their applications and present proof of any alleged fraud.

The OINP, a provincial initiative, aims to nominate foreign workers and international students with skills vital to Ontario’s economy for permanent residence. However, the OINP office announced last Friday that it had identified “systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud” concerning the eligibility requirements of the skilled trades stream. Consequently, the OINP director decided to suspend this stream and return all outstanding applications, a move that protesters contend has left many workers uncertain about their immigration status in Canada.

Hundreds of Applications Dismissed Amid Fraud Claims

The sudden suspension of the OINP’s skilled trades stream has impacted hundreds of applicants who were pursuing permanent residency. The provincial statement cited “systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud” as the reason for this drastic measure. This decision led to the immediate return of all pending applications under the stream, effectively halting the immigration process for many skilled workers who had been waiting for extended periods.

Protesters argue that the province has broadly accused all applicants of fraud without providing specific evidence. “They have painted all of us with the same brush, so they are telling all of us are fraud,” stated Shafna Shamsudheen, a protester and welder from Waterloo, Ont. She emphasized that peaceful protests would likely continue until the province addresses their concerns or re-evaluates the applications.

Workers Demand Proof and Transparency

Many applicants, including Shamsudheen, insist that the information they provided to the province is accurate and express readiness to submit any additional documentation to verify their claims. “Just show us what fraud that you found in our documents. If they find any fraud or any mistakes, we are ready to accept the mistake. We voluntarily will go back to our home country,” Shamsudheen asserted.

Gurpreet Attal, another protester from Brantford, Ont., shared a similar experience, having waited over a year for an update on his application before its sudden return. Attal noted that a freedom of information request had previously indicated his OINP documents were accepted, leading him to believe he was awaiting official nomination. “I was invited because Ontario said it needed skilled trade workers to help build Ontario,” Attal explained, highlighting his impending visa expiration. While acknowledging that some individuals might have misused the system, he expects the OINP to demonstrate the same due diligence he claims to have exercised.

Uncertain Future for Applicants

The dismissal of these applications has plunged many skilled workers into precarious situations. Shamsudheen, whose work visa expired in late August, has been forced to stop working and is currently in Canada on visitor status. She fears that without the OINP, her family will have no alternative but to return to their home country. Attal also faces an expiring visa, adding to the urgency of their demands for a resolution.

Political Support and Unanswered Questions

During Wednesday’s protest, NDP Leader Marit Stiles briefly addressed the crowd, offering words of encouragement. Pointing towards Premier Doug Ford’s office, Stiles affirmed that the protest was visible to those inside and urged the workers to continue their stand for answers. “We see you, we hear you and we’re going to keep fighting for you,” she told the protesters.

CBC News has sought comment from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, which oversees the OINP, but has not yet received a response regarding the ongoing situation and the workers’ demands.