Ottawa considering giving permanent residence to asylum seekers working in health care

Since 2017, asylum seekers have crossed into Canada from the U.S. at Roxham Road, which leads to Quebec. During the current coronavirus pandemic many of these asylum seekers have been working in health care and other essentials services.

The federal government is currently working on a program that would grant permanent residence to asylum seekers who have worked in health-care roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly, Liberal MP for Montreal's Ahuntsic-Cartierville riding, said Wednesday on Radio-Canada's Tout un matin said it was important to recognize the contribution of those working on the front lines.

The temporary measure is expected to cover all the regions of the country. It's not certain how many asylum seekers would benefit, but most would likely be in Quebec.

The proposed program, would be applicable to all those who worked in long-term care homes, known in Quebec as CHSLDs, and to all asylum seekers who have been working in the health system, including security guards.

It would not, however, apply to asylum seekers who worked in other sectors — even jobs deemed essential during the pandemic.