CANADA: Down-to-wire decision staves off deportation for Courtenay woman

• Published date: 03 February 2023
• Publication title: New Zimbabwe

TimesColonistCommunity has rallied behind Grace Mukadzambo, who was scheduled to be deported from Edmonton to Zimbabwe on MondayA Courtenay woman set to be deported to Zimbabwe next week has received a last-minute reprieve allowing her to remain in Canada, at least for now.Grace Mukadzambo was scheduled to be deported from Edmonton to Zimbabwe on Monday, said her co-worker Paul Bozenich, who started an onlinefundraising page to raise money for her legal fees.

The community has rallied to prevent Mukadzambo, who has applied to become a permanent resident, from being deported. Co-workers, Courtenay city council, Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns, local faith groups and other social organizations are all backing her.

Mukadzambo holds down four jobs with non-profit social agencies in Courtenay, working 80 to 100 hours a week, said Bozenich.She works in a supportive housing program for people who were previously unhoused, is a staff member at a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, and is a relief worker for a program supporting people trying to overcome addictions and also for another program for youth with disabilities.

She is employed under a work permit.Mukadzambo was in Edmonton on Friday, reporting to Canada Border Services Agency, when she was told she would not have to leave immediately after all, Bozenich said.

A relieved Mukadzambo relayed the news to Bozenich after the meeting.He said she may have to go before a judge as the process unfolds, but is still waiting for details on what comes next.

But "she's got a reprieve, which is great," said Bozenich, who said he believes the government is questioning whether Mukadzambo's fears about returning to Zimbabwe meet the standard for claiming refugee status.The GoFundMe page had raised $5,049 through 63 donations by late afternoon Friday, including a $1,000 donation.

Mukadzambo has been living and working in Courtenay, but lived first in Edmonton when she arrived in Canada as a refugee four years ago and has to report to federal officials there...