'Unfair and Unacceptable': Trades workers protest after Ontario cancels 2,680 immigration applications

The province’s decision, announced on November 14, led to the cancellation and return of approximately 2,680 pending applications.

Ontario’s immigration program selects eligible foreign workers and international students for nomination toward permanent residency if they possess “the skills and experience the Ontario economy needs,” the province’s website says.

The government cited systemic misrepresentation and fraud concerns within the Skilled Trades Stream as the reason for the suspension.

This move has left many workers in precarious legal status, uncertain about their future in Ontario.

The OINP’s review found widespread misrepresentation and eligibility fraud that compromised the programme’s integrity and ability to meet labour market needs.

The OINP office said in a statement Friday that it had identified “systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud” related to the Skilled Trades Stream eligibility criteria.

Affected workers have protested at Queen’s Park to urge the government to reconsider the decision and reinstate their applications.

Trades workers protest Ontario Immigration Program suspension at Queen’s Park, Toronto. Photo: YouTube Screengrab

Protesters emphasised that many had been waiting for years, with some already contributing significantly to the provincial economy.

“They have painted all of us with the same brush, so they are telling all of us are frauds,” said protester Shafna Shamsudheen, as quoted by CBC News.

The government has yet to announce plans on how or when the Skilled Trades Stream might be restructured or reinstated.