More than 600 people have signed a petition to keep a Kemptville family facing deportation in Canada.
“For this, words can’t really express what we’re going through right now,” said Vashti Maharaj.
The Maharaj family has lived in the area for four years. They fled Trinidad 12 years ago.
“They made two attempts to kidnap my son Ricardo, that’s when I left,” said Motilal Maharaj.
The family says if they’re deported, their lives could be in jeopardy.
Officials from Immigration Canada say they have determined the family isn’t at risk and rejected their refugee claim.
Not all family members would have to leave. Their son Ricky has permission to stay with his son, who was born in Canada.
The family has operated a number of businesses, including a convenience store and video store.
They say the community has rallied around them.
“I’m just the mayor showing my support for a good family that should be allowed to stay in Canada,” said David Gordon, North Grenville’s mayor.
The petition to keep them in Canada has gained more than 600 signatures.
“We’re going to send them back? These are the people we have to keep here if we want Canada to grow the way we want it to grow,” said Leonard Amato.
The family is expected to be deported Friday morning.
“We’ve never been pulled apart,” said Ricky Maharaj, the son who will be left behind. “Now we’re literally being ripped apart. I don’t know what to do.”
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Joanne Schnurr
