Vicky Venancio allowed to stay in Canada two more years
Injured worker faced deportation after she was hit by a vehicle while riding her bike three years ago
Vicky Venancio, the former temporary foreign worker who was left quadriplegic following a traffic accident in Edmonton three years ago, says she has been granted a two-year work permit.
Edmonton MP and Minister of State for Multiculturalism Tim Uppal delivered the good news Friday evening, telling her Immigration Minister Chris Alexander had granted the permit, effective immediately.
- Alberta health minister offers hope for injured TFW
- Quadriplegic temporary foreign worker may have to leave Canada
The permit means Venancio can stay in Canada for two more years without risk of being deported back to the Philippines, Uppal said.
"I was very pleased to be able to tell that news to Vicky in person," he told CBC News.
"This will allow her to work if she wishes, but not have to worry about being asked to leave while her application is being processed."
Venancio said the respite comes as a relief.
"I'm in heaven right now," she said. "It's not only my victory. It's everyone who is supporting me and praying for me."
"I will be able to sleep now at night without having to worry about deportation," she said. "I am so thankful to all the people who have supported me and fought for me, and I am looking forward to go back to work soon. I would also like to thank Minister Uppal for helping me and Minister Alexander for his generous consideration."
Venancio was struck by a vehicle while biking to her job at an Edmonton McDonald's in 2012. When she woke up she couldn't feel her legs.
The use of her hands is limited and she is diagnosed medically as a quadriplegic.
Her condition meant she could no longer perform her job, so her visa was not renewed. Since she was in Canada illegally, she did not qualify for health-care coverage.
It is not clear how the work permit will affect Venancio's ability to get Alberta health care.
She met with Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman at the legislature last week. Hoffman wasn't sure if she had the ability to restore Venancio's health benefits but she promised to see what she could do.
With files from CBC's Andrea Huncar