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Help Keep Abe in Canada

Help Keep Abe in Canada

94 signatures 6 to reach 100
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EP
Started by Elaina Parker 2 years, 5 months ago

What we are asking: You to demonstrate your support of Abraham staying in Canada.

We are asking for your signature on two resolutions, details below.

Why it’s important: Abraham has been in Canada since October 2021. He was new to the city, new to Canada – new to everything. He had infinite questions about every holiday, street sign, and historical figure. In that first year, he navigated new friendships, governments, laws, and a few unique Canadian experiences: meeting orca whales off the coast of Mayne Island, building a snowman, and embracing all the local food – from poutine to spot prawns to Nanaimo bars. When he decided to make Canada home, he brought both of his cats all the way from Australia, moved to a neighbourhood he loved (Suter Brook), and filled his apartment with plants. On only Abe’s second night in Metro Vancouver in 2021, he found himself in the Downtown Eastside without any knowledge of the history of the area. This inspired an idea – how could he use his IT expertise to help those struggling with addiction? He registered a nonprofit to supply refurbished computers, training, and general computer technical support to people in need – including those starting over on the other side of rehab.

He learned, experienced, acclimated, and set down roots – all while excelling in his career and giving back to his community.

Even though Abe was sponsored by the Province of British Columbia to come to Canada and fill a necessary position, he now finds himself with his Work Permit extension having been denied. His company has placed him on a firm 90-day leave of absence – the current processing time to have his Permit reinstated is 101 days. February 19th is day 60

We need your support to show how much Abe means to this community and province.

Our Requests:

  1. To Group Health Family of Companies (GHFOC) to extend Abraham’s extended leave of absence until a decision is made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  1. To implore Bonita Zarrilo (Member of Parliament: Port Moody – Coquitlam) to prompt IRCC to act on Abraham’s work permit application, should it exceed normal wait times.

Updates

February 18, 2024

The momentum behind Abe is overwhelming. It is clear that this community sees his value.

29 Comments

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Betty Chau Nguyen
2 years ago Featured

We need skills like Abraham in BC, Canada. He cares for those that need it most. Let him stay.

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Robert Gill
2 years ago Featured

As a member of the community who has had the privilege of witnessing Abraham's remarkable journey in Canada, I wholeheartedly support this petition. Abraham's dedication to embracing Canadian culture, contributing to our society, and giving back to his community is truly inspiring. It is unjust for him to face uncertainty and potential displacement due to the denial of his work permit extension. I urge Group Health Family of Companies (GHFOC) to extend Abraham's leave of absence and for Bonita Zarrilo to intervene on his behalf with IRCC. Let's stand together to show our appreciation for Abraham's contributions and advocate for his right to continue calling Canada home.

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Angie Byron
2 years ago Featured

Abe sounds like exactly the type of Canadian we would love to join our great country. It is heartbreaking to see his residency placed in peril because of a paperwork issue. Hope things can be resolved quickly.

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Andrew MacLeod
2 years ago Featured

Abe is an amazing human being with a huge heart. He means so much to the community around him. It would be Canada’s loss if he had to leave.

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Ted Johnson
2 years ago Featured

I know Abe well. I state with utmost confidence that he is an amazing human being who will continue to contribute in a positive and exemplary fashion during his extended stay here in BC. Respectfully Yours, T.Johnson

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Annette Falconer
2 years ago Featured

Abe has become not only a dear friend but an amazing asset in being an IT Tech who is always willing to help others in need of his services.

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Anonymous
2 years ago

Seems like a decent person who could one day become a citizen. I hope he is doing good it work for his Canadien company who brought him there. I don't know Canadien law but I suppose if there is a process why not complete without delay.

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Anonymous
2 years ago

Good luck Abe

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