Dokumento detalye

2009-01-19

Dean Kirby

Mancherster Evening News

A LORRY driver from Manchester has been ordered to leave Canada after he was left disabled by a work injury.

After a number of legal appeals by Chris Mason, 35, a judge has upheld the deportation order and he will be put on a plane to Manchester.

The case has sparked a national debate on Canada's treatment of migrant workers.

Mr Mason, whose family comes from Wythenshawe, has been living in Canada since 2001, but has lost the use of both legs.

He has been in custody in Winnipeg, Manitoba, since Wednesday after he hid from immigration officials.

The wheelchair-bound paraplegic was ordered out of the country when his work permit expired and he explained he was no longer able to work because of his disability.

Mr Mason's mother, Gill Kilford, who still lives in Wythenshawe, said: "I spoke to him on the phone and he was sobbing. He's not a criminal, he's not a terrorist. All he wants to do is stay in Canada, but they won't let him because of his injuries."

Mr Mason moved from Manchester to Greece with his father when he was nine and later lived in Germany.

He moved to Canada in 2001 to work as lorry driver, but lost the use of his legs in an accident. He was then hit by a taxi in 2003, leaving him unable to work. His visa has expired, but he collects social assistance benefits.

Now, immigration officials have ruled he is an undue burden on the economy and have refused him permanent resident status. They tried to deport him last week, but he hid at a friend's house. He was caught and put in custody until his court hearing.

His mum said: "He's got friends and support in Canada, so he wants to stay there. I couldn't get his wheelchair over the front step of my house. He says he won't be able to cope."

• 
  Kicked out for being disabled (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1091232_kicked_out_for_being_disabled)
  

Iba

Policy analysis

Pampublikong Kamalayan

Canada, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, British Columbia, Iba pang mga Lalawigan, Pederal, Nova Scotia, Reyno Unido, and National relevance

Ingles