Canada considers deportation of climate activist Zain Haq amid public outcry

Zain Haq, a climate activist from Pakistan, faces deportation from Canada despite calls for intervention from political leaders and the public.

Karan Saxena reports for The Narwhal.

In short:

• Zain Haq, a 24-year-old climate activist from Pakistan, is facing deportation due to revoked immigration status tied to criminal convictions for non-violent protests.
• Federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and over 2,600 petitioners are urging officials to stop the deportation, citing human rights and climate justice concerns.
• If deported, Haq will lose his chance to secure permanent residency through spousal sponsorship and face years-long delays to reapply.

Key quote:

“It’s globally precedent-setting. No climate activist has been deported for so-called crimes that amount to non-violent civil disobedience in defence of the climate.”

— Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader

Why this matters:

Deporting Haq would send a discouraging message to climate activists about their safety and support within democratic nations. It raises broader questions about the interplay between civil disobedience, immigration policy and government accountability in addressing the climate crisis.