Protesters call into question the 'dark side' of Canada's immigration system at Winnipeg rally
The gathering was held to remember some 50 immigrant detainees on hunger strikes in 2 Ontario prisons
Around 50 people were at the Manitoba Legislative building on Thursday evening, signs in hand, protesting indefinite immigrant detention in Canada.
Specifically, they say they were standing in solidarity with 50 immigration detainees at two Ontario prisons, who went on a hunger strike more than two weeks ago to protest Canada's policy.
"I'm a refugee myself so this hits close to home," said Hazim Ismail, who was born in Malaysia and originally arrived in Winnipeg as an international student.
In April, Ismail's claim for refugee status was accepted. A gay man, he feared for his life in his home country, where homosexuality is punishable by law.
On Thursday, Ismail said refugees around Canada feel connected to the immigration detainees in Ontario. People at the rally were told they could write postcards addressed to the prisons to let those who are there, starving themselves, know they aren't forgotten.
The rally was also planned for community members who need to heal, Ismail said.
"It provides a channel for you to direct all the hurt, all the questions, confusion, anger."
'The darker side of Canada's immigration system'
Mitchell Van Ineveld helped Ismail organize the rally. He said his participation reflects his feelings toward what he describes as a dark, unreported side of Canada's immigration system.
"We see a lot of successes of our immigration system … The resettlement of Syrian refugees gets a lot of publicity," he said.
"We also need to see the failures … That looks like people locked up in maximum security prisons, held alongside convicted criminals with no charge and no guarantee they will be released in a timely manner."
Van Ineveld said the group wants to meet with Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale.
Those on the hunger strike are also demanding the federal government place a limit on the length of time they can be held in detention.
with files from Courtney Rutherford