Nobel Peace Prize nominee, David Matas to represent the ‘Three Amigos’

Nobel Peace Prize nominee, David Matas to represent the ‘Three Amigos’

Two days before the hearing, prominent lawyer and human rights advocate takes on case
Nobel Peace Prize nominee, David Matas will be representing the ‘Three Amigos’ during their December 23 court hearing. The renowned author, human rights advocate, UN delegate, professor, Princeton and Oxford educated lawyer accepted the role of representing the ‘Three Amigos’ as they campaign to stay and work in Canada. The three fathers found out on Monday, December 20 that their Legal Aid application which they applied for in mid-November had been approved. Their first attempt this summer to apply for Legal Aid Manitoba in Thompson was rejected. Matas has told the three fathers to apply for “restoration of status” and “temporary residence” permits that would allow them to work in Canada.

Media exposure and support for three fathers swelling

With dozens of church, community and political leaders (of every major party) behind them, the ‘Three Amigos’ campaign to stay in Canada has turned into a popular movement of public support and sympathy.

On December 14th the trio received the backing of the largest protestant denomination in Canada. The Winnipeg Presbytery, a local body of the United Church of Canada which is comprised of representatives from every church within Winnipeg passed the following motion during their last meeting of the year:

“That Winnipeg Presbytery appeal to Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister, the Honourable Jason Kenney, to allow Antonio Laroya, Arnisito Gaviola and Ernie Zotomayor to stay in Canada after their Dec. 23 hearing on compassionate and humanitarian grounds so that they may be granted a work permit, in order to work legally in Canada and contribute to this nation’s economy and support their families in the Philippines.”

Court hearing

With only one day left before their hearing at the Winnipeg Law Courts the ‘Three Amigos’ hope that the combination of public support, prominent endorsements and Christmas spirit will translate into a promising future in Canada for their families.

The hearing on Thursday (Dec. ?) will be short and ‘just a formality’, Matas stated. The only real hope that the three fathers have is that the public support and media exposure will provide Immigration Minister Jason Kenney the ‘political will’ to give the three fathers and their families a merry Christmas.