Immigration protesters march in downtown Charlottetown as new hunger strike begins

About 75 foreign workers and their supporters marched through the streets of downtown Charlottetown Wednesday, continuing their protest against the P.E.I. government's recent immigration policy changes. 

Some in the group have been protesting off and on since May 9, in hopes of extending their work permits and eventually becoming permanent residents. 

"It's not leading us anywhere solid," protest organizer Rupinder Pal Singh said Wednesday. "We haven't heard something solid back from government except excuses and nos."

He told CBC News about six members of the group were beginning another hunger strike this week, adding: "This is how serious it is." 

Jenn Redmond, P.E.I.'s minister of workforce, advanced learning and population, told CBC News she sent a letter to Singh on Tuesday.

That was in reply to an email from him that mentioned the prospect a second hunger strike would begin, nearly three weeks after the group said it would "pause" its no-liquid hunger strike after meeting with the province's top immigration official.

Redmond's office provided a copy of the letter to CBC News.

In it, the minister tells Singh the province respects people's right to protest but says there will be no changes to the policy for the foreseeable future.

"We strongly advise against resuming a hunger strike, as it will not lead to a change in the government's decision and may endanger the health of those participating," the letter warns. 

The letter says Redmond's office has met with more than 50 people affected by the policy changes, and gave them advice on "alternative pathways" they could explore to become permanent residents. 

"Prince Edward Island has often been seen as an easy place to obtain permanent residency," the letter continues. "This is a reputation that we are changing to ensure our province is not seen as a place to get expedited permanent residency for those seeking to immigrate."

The group of protesters is made up of prospective immigrants, who say their lives have been turned upside down by changes the province made to its immigration policy in February. Those changes make it much harder for people working in sales and service to be nominated for permanent residency by the province — including people who are already working on the Island.

Manpreet Kaur moved to P.E.I. in January 2023 and works in the IT sector. Her work permit doesn't expire until 2025, but she is protesting out of solidarity with her fellow workers. 

"I'm in the same queue that they are facing right now, and I'm also worried about my future," Kaur said.