B.C. climate activist Zain Haq to be deported with no reprieve in sight

A Pakistani-born climate activist, Zain Haq, is facing deportation from his adopted home in British Columbia after an unsuccessful attempt to stop the deportation order. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) issued the deportation order last year citing alleged violations of his study permit and his involvement in protests with Save Old Growth and Extinction Rebellion.

Haq, 24, pleaded guilty to five counts of mischief related to his protest activities, but he was not considered a violent offender by the courts. Despite his efforts to challenge the deportation order, including his wife Sophia Papp’s application to sponsor him as a permanent resident, the authorities denied the spousal sponsorship application and misplaced a separate application Haq made for temporary residency in October.

Haq’s lawyer has criticized the handling of his deportation case, claiming that due process was not followed. As Haq prepares to leave for Pakistan, he expressed his disappointment in the decision, calling it a clear case of targeting. He has received support from fellow climate activists, including Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who believe that his deportation will hinder efforts to address the climate crisis.

Haq’s journey to Canada began in 2019 when he enrolled at Simon Fraser University to study history. However, his focus shifted to climate activism and non-violent civil disobedience, leading to the CBSA’s investigation into his academic progress. Despite facing challenges with his study permit, Haq’s wife’s spousal sponsorship application was seen as a potential solution to allow him to stay in Canada.

Unfortunately, the spousal sponsorship application was denied, and the couple now faces the prospect of reapplying for Canadian permanent residency from Pakistan, a process that could take several years. Haq’s lawyer highlighted the precedent for spousal sponsorship on humanitarian grounds to keep families together, urging government intervention to prevent Haq’s deportation.

The lawyer also raised concerns about bureaucratic mistakes in Haq’s application process, including the alleged loss of his temporary residency application. He emphasized the potential harm of tearing Haq’s family apart and losing a valuable figure in the climate movement if he is deported.

As Haq prepares to leave Canada, the uncertainty of when or if he will be able to return looms large. His departure underscores the challenges faced by immigrants and activists in navigating Canada’s immigration system and the consequences of deportation on families and communities. The government’s handling of Haq’s case raises questions about the fairness and justice of immigration policies and the need for a more compassionate approach to addressing individual circumstances.