The number of asylum seekers settling in Estrie has exploded in the last two years. Finding a new life in a safe country often brings many challenges, including obtaining a work permit.
José Daniel Martinez Gonzalez came to Canada via Roxham Road in December 2022. After a few months in Montreal he settled in Sherbrooke.
This 30-year-old man is from Venezuela. He left his country in 2017 after taking part in protests that were harshly repressed by the government.
I really like living in Sherbrooke. There are lots of nice people and I can learn French.
He fears for his life when he returns home. Here, far away from his family, he wants to finally settle down. As an asylum seeker, he is entitled to social assistance, can learn French, but is still waiting for his work permit.
Open in full screen mode
José Daniel looks forward to providing financial support to his family in Venezuela.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Marie
In Spanish, he said he was sad and worried about not being able to work. It's frustrating that I can't send money to my family in Venezuela. It's difficult to make a living, he says.
He has taken numerous steps with Immigration Canada to understand what explains these delays. He also consulted the office of MP Élizabeth Brière, but the wait continues.
Immigration delays are still long
José Daniel's case is far from unique, notes Annabelle Robles of the Assistance Service for New Canadians.
The deadlines are already a little shorter than before the pandemic or after the pandemic, but it is certain that the deadlines are never short enough for these people who actually have to work.
In recent years, Estrie has received a growing number of asylum seekers.
While there were 57 in 2020-2021, 357 of them arrived last year. However, since Roxham Road was closed last March, the influx has been less severe.
Asylum seekers in Estrie
- 2022-2023: 357
- 2021-2022: 223
- 2020-2021: 57
Source: New Canadians Assistance Service
What has changed for us in Sherbrooke is that we have fewer direct arrivals as they now all have to travel via Montreal. The Sherbrooke problem, so to speak [à beaucoup d’autres endroits], it's housing: we have to house them. Because they don't work, the owners are reluctant to accommodate them, adds Annabelle Robles.
The SANC seeks to support those who find themselves in a situation like José Daniel's and to encourage them in difficult times.
“I want the government to take my file into account,” says José Daniel.
We requested an interview with Immigration Canada and MP Élizabeth Brière, who was unavailable.
With information from Marie-Hélène Rousseau