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“Danilo has been a strong advocate for human rights in his workplace and for migrant workers’ rights. If Danilo is forced to return to the Philippines, he could face political persecution for his beliefs and advocacy.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
Ottawa (22 August 2022) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is joining the calls to stop the deportation of Danilo de Leon, Alberta resident and chairperson of Migrante Canada.
Bert Blundon, NUPGE President, sent a letter to Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and to Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, urging them to intervene.
Danilo’s story
In 2009, Danilo came to Edmonton from the Philippines as a temporary foreign worker, where he began working for a cleaning company.
“Danilo has been a strong advocate for human rights in his workplace and for migrant workers’ rights,” wrote Blundon. “He has spent 13 years living in Canada and making valuable contributions to his community.”
Facing risk of persecution
Now without status, Danilo is facing deportation.
“If Danilo is forced to return to the Philippines,” wrote Blundon, “he could face political persecution for his beliefs and advocacy. The Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Act, which has been strongly criticized by human rights advocates and experts, could be applied to Danilo’s advocacy for migrant and human rights.”
NUPGE has previously raised concerns about the political repression and human rights’ violations in the Philippines. Blundon urged the ministers to stop Danilo’s deportation and to grant him permanent resident status.
Status for all
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how essential migrant workers like Danilo are to our economy and to our communities,” wrote Blundon. “And yet, too often they face inhumane conditions and discrimination.”
“These workers deserve the same rights, benefits, and opportunities as non-migrant workers.”
Take action
Migrante Canada has more information on Danilo’s situation and ideas about how you can help on its website and Twitter.
There are broader calls underway for a regularization program that provides permanent status to all undocumented workers and people in Canada. Learn more from Migrant Rights Network.