The Raza Family and Crescent Fort Rouge United Church

Wednesday November 1, I visited with the Raza family at the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church.

For reasons which are not clear, the Conservative government has so far rejected appeals to let the Raza family stay in Canada. Since August 3, the Raza family has been staying in sanctuary at the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church.

Mr. Hassan Raza was working in Winnipeg, and has been promised employment in Winnipeg if the federal government will let the Raza family stay in Canada.

Two of the Raza's children were born in Canada and are Canadian citizens. Their eldest child has been going to school in Canada for a number of years, and sees Canada as her home.

Many people at the Crescent Fort Rouge United Church have been volunteering long hours to help the Raza family. Indeed, there are now about 50 volunteers who are helping in many ways, including ensuring that the Raza children are able to continue their schooling while they are in the church.

Senior leaders of the United Church in Canada have asked for a meeting with Immigration Minister Monte Solberg, but to date he has said no. Clearly it is time for Minister Solberg to meet with leaders of the United Church in Canada to talk about how to help the Raza family.

Please write to the Hon. Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to ask him to help the Raza family. His email address is Solberg.M@parl.gc.ca