Thursday, January 17, 2008

Laibar Singh Protest

OUTRAGE AT SANCTUARY VIOLATION OF PARALYZED PUNJABI MAN SPREADS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
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WHAT: Community Rally At Greater Toronto Enforcement Centre (GTEC)

WHEN: Saturday, January 26 – Meet at 10am – The rally will start at 10:30am

WHERE: 6900 Airport Road, GTEC (International Centre)

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TORONTO - Supporters of Mr. Laibar Singh, a paralyzed Punjabi man will be gathering at the Greater Toronto Enforcement Centre (GTEC) to voice their objection to the continuing attempts to deport Mr. Singh. The latest attempt to deport Mr. Singh took place the morning of Wednesday, January 9, at 4:30am, when enforcement officers from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made an unprecedented effort to breach the sanctuary of the Surrey Guru Nanak Gurudwara (Sikh Spiritual Centre) to arrest Mr. Singh.

Alarmed by the actions of CBSA, approximately 300 supporters gathered at the Gurdwara to bear witness to this gross violation of their sacred place of worship. The deportation was unsuccessful and a stay was once again granted.

Communities across the Greater Toronto Area will be gathering at GTEC to demonstrate their solidarity with the BC community and their struggle to keep Laibar Singh in Canada. They will also express their indignation to the Government's violation of Sikh sanctuary.
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LAIBAR SINGH- QUICK FACTS
  • Mr. Laibar Singh is a 48-year old paralyzed Sikh refugee claimant who is facing deportation to India.
  • Laibar Singh DID NOT enter illegally:
  • Many refugee claimants arrive with false documentation and Section 178 of Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act PROVIDES refugee claimants the ability to arrive on false documents.
  • Mr. Singh suffered a stroke in Canada which has caused him to become a paraplegic.
  • Because of Mr. Singh's fragile health his life would be threatened if deported from Canada
  • Singh's humanitarian and compassionate claim was refused, rendered largely on the basis that he 'does not have significant ties to Canada'.
THIS IS FALSE:
  • He has a petition of over 40 000 signatures in his support, 2000+ people peacefully protested his deportation.
  • He has strong ties to the Sikh community, and is supported by many community organizations.
RESPECT THE RIGHT TO SANCTUARY
  • The House of Commons has recommended to CIC, CBSA and law enforcement officials that those who have sought sanctuary should receive medical attention without the threat of arrest or detainment. The actions of the CBSA demonstrate opposition to the government's own recommendations.