Today the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development committed the following to CSA:
Minister Matthews assigned one of her staff members to be a direct contact within the Ministry to answer CSA's strike questions brought forward by students. This open line of communication between CSA and the Ministry will help us support students even further.
The Minister also acknowledged the unique frustrations international students are currently facing regarding their student visas. The Minister's Office provided the following statement to CSA: The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (under “Exceptional situations”) confirms that international students impacted by a labour disruption should not face any sanctions by IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency and provides information for international students who may need to extend their study permit. We encourage students who have questions or concerns related to their study permits to contact IRCC directly.
CSA will continue to advocate on behalf of all Ontario college students, and we will continue to keep you informed.

From left: CSA Communications Manager Emmaline Scharbach, CSA President Joel Willett, Hon. Minister Deb Matthews, CSA Director Aimee Calma, CSA Director of Advocacy Abdullah Mushtaq.