Hon. (Ms.) Diane Finlay
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Jean Edmonds South Tower, 13th Floor
365 Laurier Ave. West
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Dear Minister Finlay,
Over the last few days, we have been informed of the difficulties of Mr. Mohuiddin (Din) Ahmed, and his request for refugee status. We write to ask that you admit Mr. Ahmed to Canada by means of a Temporary Residence Permit.
Mr. Ahmed is in detention in the United States and faces expulsion to his country of origin, Bangladesh. If he is returned to Bangladesh he will very likely be executed. In this case, Canada must show its commitment to the protection of human rights and human life by issuing without delay a Temporary Residence Permit. By exercising your ministerial authority, you will allow Mr. Ahmed’s current application for refugee status to proceed in due course.
This is also an action that will likely save his life.
With the assurance of my best wishes as you exercise the powers entrusted to your care,
Most Rev. Roger Ébacher
Archbishop of Gatineau
President of the Human Rights Committee
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops