MetroVan Independent News April 2016 | Page 11

MVINEWS.COM April 2016 MetroVan Independent News 11 COMMUNITY / OPINION Migrante Gala Fundraiser for Migrant Workers By Luisa Marshall The packed ballroom buzzed with cheers of suppor t from community members, migrant advocates, and politicians for Migrante BC Gala Fundraiser for Migrant Workers. Guest speaker and Toronto’s noted social justice lawyer Fay Faraday, rallying for change to build migrant worker security and safety said: “We need to directly confront the values that are informing the choices that our government is making. We need to reject the normalization of temporariness and precariousness. Instead we need to rebuild a robust permanent immigration system that enables workers of all classes to arrive here with permanent status.” “We know that if you’re good enough to work, you’re good enough to stay”. In June 2014, former Conservative Employment and Social Development Minister Jason Kenney announced a Simply the Best TV Show host Luisa Marshall interviews Fay Faraday. controversial overhaul to the Temporary F o r e i g n Wo r k e r ’s P r o g r a m . T h e Conservative Gov’t restricted the amount of time migrant workers can stay in Canada with a “four in, four out rule” which makes it difficult to apply for permanent residency. Migrant workers believe that this policy has absolutely put them at risk so they are rallying and putting pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for necessary Vote for Kuya Alvin Relleve Photos by Rene Gaviola reforms to make life easier for them. Faraday pointed out that one of the most important issues and challenges that migrant workers faced is isolation. “Coming into a new country, working in isolated places, not knowing where to get help and one of the key things that Migrante BC does is outreach, to connect with those workers, organizing those workers, building connection, building RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant 2016 By Luisa Marshall So proud of this Filipino! To all my friends, voted as one of Top 25 Canadian Immigrants in 2013... it is my pleasure to always recognize the work and contribution of others. I'm deeply honored to nominate and support a hardworking man with a purpose and yet a real loving family man who knows the true value of building strong relationships within the communi G