Foreign workers protesting changes to a provincial immigration program are in their seventh day of hunger strike, and for some, their third day of thirst strike. On Wednesday, several people required medical treatment.
I sometimes feel dizzy. I lost consciousness
says Jaspreet Sing Sivia, spokesperson for the group.
He and other workers are stationed on the grounds of the Legislative Assembly in Charlottetown.
For weeks they have been demonstrating in the capital against the provincial decision to reduce the number of provincial immigration candidates from 2,100 to about 1,600.
The province also announced it would prioritize workers in sectors deemed priority, such as healthcare and construction.
The work visas of several protesters are about to expire and they fear they will leave the country.
Necessary medical care
Paramedics were on site on Wednesday to treat some protesters.
According to Mr Sivia, a man on hunger strike reported feeling weak and having stomach pains. Another woman fell suddenly
. He says they felt better after the treatment.
Jaspreet Singh Sivia (center) sits with two other protesters.
Photo: (Wayne Thibodeau/CBC)
Jaspreet Sing Sivia admits that their method is extreme, but it is true what’s more important is the cause we’re defending
.
Support from MP Sean Casey
In a letter to the Prime Minister Dennis Kingthe deputy Sean Casey expressed support for people seeking permanent residency.
Employees feel like the rug is being pulled out from under them due to a lack of attention and changes that have such dramatic consequences for them.
says mr. Casey.
He added that the government has the right to make changes in its policies, but it must give people time to adequately prepare for them. Sean Casey said targeted workers did not have enough time to find work in priority sectors.
The protesters, for their part, say they will continue their hunger strike until the provincial government demonstrates important action
.
According to a report fromAlex MacIsaac by CBC