Around 1,000 Algoma Steel employees in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., are facing layoffs this March, leading many, including Mayurkumar Lad, to worry about their future in Canada. Lad, an immigrant from India employed at the steel mill since 2024, applied for permanent residency 18 months ago through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). With delays and policy changes, Lad expects to hear about his application’s status in early 2027, after losing his job.
To maintain his permanent residency application, Lad must remain employed at Algoma Steel, which could pose challenges with the impending layoff. Concerned about losing his job and jeopardizing his residency, Lad, along with other immigrant workers, is appealing to the government for a special exemption. The workers argue that their situation is unique due to operational limitations caused by tariffs, not misconduct or sudden business closures.
While an OINP spokesperson mentioned that changes in employment status may impact the application, laid-off employees could still be eligible for alternative immigration streams. However, Lad expressed uncertainty about his options moving forward and urged the government to consider their case and provide clarity. With a deep attachment to Sault Ste. Marie and the local community, Lad emphasized the impact of uprooting his family if forced to leave Canada.
The Ontario government’s contemplated changes to the OINP, including stream cancellations and reduced nominee application acceptances, have added to the uncertainty. Lad hopes for a resolution that would allow him to continue his journey towards permanent residency, emphasizing the disruption and emotional toll of potentially starting over. Despite the challenges, Lad remains hopeful for a positive outcome and support from the government.