VANCOUVER - The day Donald Trump begins his second term, Federal Green Party leader Elizabeth May highlights a critical threat to justice in Canada. At a press conference today with climate activist Zain Haq, his wife Sophia Papp, and lawyer Randall Cohn, May called on Immigration Minister Marc Millerto to intervene once again to prevent the January 25 deportation of Mr. Haq—a decision made necessary by bureaucratic failings within Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
On a day that reminds us of the fragility of democracy, Canada must not undermine its values of justice and the rule of law,” says Elizabeth May. “When the Minister of Immigration himself took action to stop this unjust deportation in 2024, it reflected a commitment to due process. How is the IRCC allowing their failure to jeopardize Zain’s future again?"
Mr. Haq was granted a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) in April 2024, halting Mr. Haq’s deportation to allow his application for permanent residence via spousal sponsorship to be processed.
“Deportation means being permanently removed from a country I call home, and a place I’ve lived in my entire adult life! It also means that many in my generation will be further disillusioned with the possibility of having their voices heard in Canada”,” says Mr. Haq. “The thought of being separated from my wife, Sophia, and the life we’ve built together in Canada is devastating.”
After submitting a subsequent TRP application in October 2024, Mr. Haq and his wife were informed by IRCC that although FedEx confirmed delivery of the application, IRCC could not find the application. Mr. Haq cannot remain in Canada with his wife without a permit. IRCC’s misplacement of Mr. Haq’s application has allowed the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to reactivate the removal order. CBSA has now ordered Mr. Haq to leave Canada by Saturday, January 25, 2025.
“ Zain Haq is not a violent criminal, and his mischievous convictions do not meet the legal threshold for serious criminality,” says Mr. Haq’s lawyer, Randall Cohn. “Even the CBSA officer who is charged with enforcing his removal has explicitly acknowledged that he poses no threat to public safety. He has made a lawful application for permanent residence as the spouse of a Canadian citizen, and he has properly applied to extend the temporary status that was granted to him in April. This deportation is entirely avoidable, resulting from IRCC’s inability to locate his d application and CBSA’s unwillingness to exercise its discretion by deferring removal until that error can be corrected.”
Supporters, including Members of Parliament, have commended Mr. Haq’s dedication to positive change. At sentencing, the presiding judge described him as: “An intelligent, motivated young person who is a staunch protector of the environment. Provided he does so through legitimate means, he can be a catalyst for positive change.”
Zain Haq’s nonviolent climate activism has drawn national attention, including arrests during peaceful demonstrations against fossil fuel projects. Advocates argue his deportation sends a chilling message to activists who engage in democratic dissent.
Ms. Papp and Mr. Haq have been waiting 20 months for a decision on their spousal sponsorship application, which is now in its final stages. If Mr. Haq is deported, their application will be cancelled. They will be separated and forced to restart the process from outside Canada. With current backlogs, it could be at least two years before Mr. Haq could return to his wife.
“This is a moment for Canada to show the world what fairness and democracy truly mean,” says Ms. May. “Minister Miller has shown leadership and integrity before, and I am confident he can do so again to prevent an unjust outcome. This is not just about Zain—it’s about ensuring that Canada upholds its values of democracy and justice.”
Media Contacts
Fabrice Lachance Nové | 514-463-0021 |fabrice.lachance@greenparty.ca
Randall Cohn (Lawyer) 604-404-8851 | randall@rkc-law.com
Primary: Sophia Papp | (250) 508-1789 | stopzainsdeportation@gmail.com
Secondary: Zain Haq | (250) 884-1873
RESOURCES:
CBC: Climate activist in B.C. fighting deportation to Pakistan
Deportation of B.C. climate activist cancelled | CBC News
Canadian Minister intervenes in climate activist’s deportation at 11th hour
Deportation of British Columbia climate activist cancelled
PEAK: Climate Activist’s Deportation Could Have Chilling Effect on Free Speech