(Ottawa) Isabelle Branco and Jean-Louis Ménard, these two French doctors trapped in Canada’s bureaucratic labyrinth of immigration and citizenship, can finally stay in the country. However, they are waiting for the details of their work permit. The confirmation letter was only sent to them in English, a language they do not speak.
Published at 5:21 p.m. Updated at 6:11 p.m.
“It’s not clear to me,” responded Isabelle Branco on the phone, shortly after receiving the letter. “This is the first time they have sent me a document in English. »
The letter, dated October 2, states that the two doctors’ applications for work permits have been approved and they can remain in Canada under certain conditions. However, they are not described in detail. They must wait until they receive their work permit in the mail.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed on social network X late Monday afternoon that their situation was “now resolved.”
“Yes, the bureaucracy is sometimes cumbersome, but it is thanks to the work of civil servants and not politicians that we have been able to improve the situation. “Government is more than just false slogans, Mr Poilievre,” he added, throwing a dart at the Conservative Party leader.
This story, reported by several media outlets, including La Presse, was picked up a little earlier in the day. ‘That doesn’t make sense!’ Trudeau officials prevent 2,700 Quebecers from seeing a doctor. I will eliminate red tape to allow immigrant doctors to treat Canadians. »
The two French doctors, who had been working in the Laurentians for five years, were forced to abruptly give up their practice on Friday after the extension of their work permits was canceled due to a mix-up. They tracked a total of 2,700 patients. The department alleged that Isabelle Branco never provided the “valid employment identification number” required for her application. She claimed to have uploaded it on September 14th, probably twelve days before she received a rejection letter.
“In the rejection letter, they tell us that the status needs to be restored,” she explains. At no time is there any talk of a restoration of status or a temporary stay [dans la lettre de confirmation]. »
She is waiting to receive all the documents before she believes it without a doubt.
Bloc Québécois MP Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, who took many steps to help the couple, denounced the “inhumanity” of Immigration and Citizenship Canada. “Is it normal to go to this level because there are many other cases that do not come to light and affect communities,” she asked in an interview. We have to find solutions and this is urgent! »
His staff helped the two doctors submit a new application to extend their work permits on October 1. She was given priority because Isabelle Branco and Jean-Louis Ménard provide essential services as family doctors.
The fact is that the member for Laurentides-Labelle remains unimpressed by the letter of confirmation sent only to these French immigrants, in English. “This is unacceptable,” she responded. Honestly, receiving a letter in English when we also know the people’s origins! »
“In the end, what matters is that cases like this should no longer happen,” she concluded.