Sudbury rally held for queer immigrant facing deportation
A rally was held in Greater Sudbury on Tuesday in support of a queer immigrant facing deportation to India.
Tarun Godara fled India seven years ago at the encouragement of his brother, arriving in Sudbury, Ont., on a student VISA, graduating from Cambrian College with a diploma in art. (Supplied/Tarun Godara)
The protest, organized by Sudbury Pride, was held outside of MP Viviane Lapointe's office in support of Tarun Godara.
While Godara applied for a VISA multiple times, the changing policies resulted in rejected applications and hired a lawyer to fight his case. Last month, he received a deportation notice for April 16.
"I don’t think it deserves for me to lose a life I've created here and a family that I have," Godara said.
"I don’t wish to go back to being a closeted homosexual, just the way I was."
Matthew Morin from Sudbury Pride, says the hope is that Lapointe can relay Godara's story to Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller.
"Canada is such a diverse cultural place, especially Sudbury. We're growing, becoming more beautiful and unfortunately, our government isn’t catching up as quickly as it should," said Morin.
"We need our government to step up and protect everybody, everybody around the world deserves to live comfortably and feel safe in their own skin."
Morin told CTV News that Godara has already added so much to Sudbury, as one of the artists behind a number of murals downtown.
"We need to protect the people who are already here," he said.
"Tarun has a life here, he has a family here, he has friends, he has his community, and we need to keep him here. He's part of my community."
A rally was held in Greater Sudbury on April 2, 2024 in support of a queer immigrant facing deportation to India. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario)
A spokesperson for Lapointe said she was not available, but provided a statement.
“I understand the anxiety and uncertainty that Tarun must be experiencing,” the statement reads.
“Today is a testament to the support Tarun is receiving from our community. My office will continue to work with Tarun. Due to privacy laws, I cannot comment further on specific cases.”
Godara left India to move to Sudbury seven years ago and he said he is now able to express himself openly as a gay man. While in India, he told CTV News that he faced prejudice and experienced sexual assault for being gay. While India lifted its ban on homosexuality in 2018, Godara said it is not safe for individuals in the LGBTQ2S+ community and fears for his safety if he has to return.
Shiannah Grayson-Belanger came out to support Godara.
"As an autistic person I find it so hard to make friends and he was really nice to me," she said.
"He's a really kind and genuine person and he deserves to be here."
Godara said Sudbury is home and that his lawyer has reached out to the Canada Border Services Agency to request an extension for the deportation order.
"I'm scared," he said.
"If the Minister of IRCC can't hear my words I hope they hear the other words of other people speaking on my behalf. I hope it matters and I hope it ends soon with a positive result."
Rita Olink from TG Innerselves Sudbury attended the rally and told CTV News more support is needed for the LGBTQ2s+ community.
"We're illegal in so many countries and persecuted in so many more," they said.
"To have a person being deported that’s LGBTQ+ for no other reason than a bit of paperwork – that’s; that’s insane."
A rally was held in Greater Sudbury on April 2, 2024 in support of queer immigrant Tarun Godara who is facing deportation to India. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Godara said he's willing to be a part of more rallies – but is desperately hoping the matter can be resolved.
His friends and family have created a petition and GoFundMe page to try to help.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Barrie
-
Teen airlifted after car flipped upside down with 2 passengers inside
A 19-year-old driver was airlifted to a trauma center after a crash left one vehicle overturned with two passengers trapped inside.
-
Second person charged in connection to the death of 25-year-old man in Meaford
A second person has been charged in connection to the death of a 25-year-old man in Meaford more than four years ago.
-
Controversy continues in Wasaga Beach after beachgoers defecating in sand
While Wasaga Beach is known for being the longest freshwater beach in the world, it has been talked about for a different reason in recent weeks, as reports have surfaced of beachgoers defecating in the sand.
Toronto
-
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
-
Man wanted after allegedly attempting to grab child in east Toronto
Police are searching for a man who allegedly attempted to grab a child in east Toronto earlier this month.
-
Toronto Zoo shares what led to 2-year-old giraffe’s death
The Toronto Zoo has shared the cause of death for a young giraffe that passed away on Thursday.
Ottawa
-
Former Ottawa Senators assistant coach Bob Jones dies at 54 after battle with ALS
The Ottawa Senators have announced that former assistant coach Bob Jones has died after a battle with ALS. He was 54.
-
Family farm near Christie Lake destroyed by Perth, Ont. tornado
A family in the community of Tay Valley is picking up the pieces of their barn after it was destroyed by Wednesday's tornado near Perth, Ont.
-
TRAFFIC
TRAFFIC Hwy. 417 is closed until Monday for Preston Street bridge replacement. Here's what you need to know
A stretch of Highway 417 through Ottawa is closed until 6 a.m. Monday for the replacement of the aging Preston Street overpass. CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at what you need to know about the Queensway closure for the replacement of the Preston Street bridge.
Kitchener
-
Push for more weir warning signs near dangerous drop in Grand River
The deaths of two women on the Grand River has some questioning the lack of warning signs near a dangerous drop in Kitchener.
-
Police seek tips in Cambridge armed robbery investigation
Police have shared the photo of a person they’re trying to identify as part of armed robbery investigation in Cambridge.
-
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
London
-
'My ties to this community are done': Jewish London member reacts to being evicted from Jewish Community Centre
Darlene Zaifman-Guslits was denied entry to an event for Pierre Poilievre at the London Jewish Community Centre.
-
Serious assault turned homicide after victim dies in hospital
The victim of a serious assault that occurred on July 20 has since died in hospital, according to London police.
-
The story behind the Eiffel Tower sculpture inside CF Masonville Place
Art Stokman partnered with CF Masonville Place to enhance their Home of Team Canada Lounge inside the mall in London.
Windsor
-
Doctor identified in alleged newborn data snooping scandal
CTV News has learned the identity of the doctor under investigation for allegedly accessing the data of newborn babies without authorization: Dr. Omar Afandi.
-
Road reopened after train derailment in Puce
Essex County OPP have reopened Old Tecumseh Road, near Puce Road, after a train derailment.
-
Former Spitfires head coach Bob Jones dies after battle with ALS
The Windsor Spitfires have confirmed to CTV News that former head coach Bob Jones has died after a battle with ALS.
Montreal
-
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
-
Montrealer living in Jasper hopes home will be spared from fire
As the wildfires continue to rage in Alberta, a Montreal man who has lived in Jasper for over 20 years watches anxiously, hoping his home will be spared.
-
Environmental activists target Montreal airport for third consecutive day
Environmental activists have caused disruptions outside Montreal Trudeau International Airport for three consecutive days protesting Canadian fossil fuel policy.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
-
Winnipeg Beach launches 'bylaw blitz' to tackle derelict properties
Winnipeg Beach is trying a new strategy to deal with vacant, derelict or unsightly buildings – it’s called a bylaw blitz.
-
Tornado watch for Kenora and other parts of Ontario
Environment and Climate Canada (ECCC) is cautioning residents that conditions for a tornado are favourable in parts of Ontario.
Atlantic
-
Colin Tweedie sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for hit-and-run death of Cape Breton girl
Colin Tweedie has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in federal prison in the 2019 hit-and-run death of 10-year-old Cape Breton girl Talia Forrest.
-
Fire burns on roof of NB Power’s natural-gas fired plant in Saint John
Emergency crews in Saint John are responding to a fire burning on the roof at NB Power’s Bayside Generating Station Friday afternoon.
-
Videos online appear to show two recent shark sightings in Nova Scotia waters
Videos circulating online recently appear to show two separate shark sightings in Nova Scotia waters.
N.L.
-
Unclaimed bodies are piling up in Newfoundland. A funeral director blames government
Unclaimed bodies are piling up in Newfoundland, and a funeral director says they likely belong to people whose loved ones couldn't get enough government help to pay for a funeral.
-
Newfoundland refinery operator charged for flash explosion that killed worker
The owner of a refinery in Newfoundland has been charged with health and safety violations for a flash explosion at the plant in 2022 that killed a worker and injured seven others.
-
Transportation Safety Board investigating fire aboard boat abandoned by 'Lucky 7'
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent investigators to Newfoundland to determine what caused a fire aboard a fishing boat that forced the crew to abandon the vessel for a life-raft, leaving them at the mercy of the waves for two days.
Calgary
-
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
-
3 dead in Rocky View County crash
Three people are dead following a motor vehicle collision in Rocky View County on Friday morning.
-
East Village senior tower fire caused by ignited cooking oil
A fire in an East Village seniors tower was caused by cooking oil that ignited, and then exploded, the fire department said Friday in a media statement.
Edmonton
-
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
-
Connor McDavid getting married this weekend. Here's everything we know about the big day
McDavid and longtime girlfriend Lauren Kyle got engaged in Ontario last summer and are getting married there on Saturday.
-
New numbers confirm one-third of Jasper townsite destroyed in this week's wildfire
One-third of all structures in the townsite of Jasper are gone, burned to the ground in this week’s wildfire, officials confirmed Friday.
Regina
-
Saskatchewan's crime rate top of Canada for 25th straight year: Stats Canada
Saskatchewan’s provincial crime rate ranked worst in the country for a 25th straight year in 2023, according to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics.
-
Sask. man dead after collision involving truck and train
A 63-year-old man from Cowessess First Nation has died following a collision involving a truck and a train on Range Road 2060 in the RM of Elcapo.
-
Hot and dry week in Sask. leads to decline of crop conditions
A hot and dry week in Saskatchewan has led to the decline of crop conditions, especially in the southern and western parts of the province, according to the province’s latest crop report.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan's crime rate top of Canada for 25th straight year: Stats Canada
Saskatchewan’s provincial crime rate ranked worst in the country for a 25th straight year in 2023, according to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics.
-
How a Sask. city changed the way the Crime Severity Index is reported
A small city in Saskatchewan has helped affect big changes in the way Statistics Canada reports its annual Crime Severity Index (CSI) data.
-
Sask. appeal court says anti-trans group cannot join constitutional dispute over pronoun law
Saskatchewan’s Court of Appeal has denied a political group that opposes so-called “gender ideology” intervener status in a legal dispute over the province’s controversial pronoun law.
Vancouver
-
Olympics reach gender equality among athletes for the first time, spurring Canadian calls for more progress
As the Olympics celebrate reaching gender parity among athletes for the first time in the Games’ history, Canadian leaders in women’s sport are pushing for further progress.
-
Department of Fisheries untangles gear from humpback whale off B.C.'s coast
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says it has successfully untangled fishing gear on a humpback whale off British Columbia's coast that was first spotted by a ferry passenger.
-
Pedestrian struck, killed by train in Surrey, RCMP say
A man is dead after being struck by a train in Surrey Friday morning, according to local Mounties.
Vancouver Island
-
Department of Fisheries untangles gear from humpback whale off B.C.'s coast
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says it has successfully untangled fishing gear on a humpback whale off British Columbia's coast that was first spotted by a ferry passenger.
-
Vancouver Island wildfire expected to grow until rain, cooler temperatures arrive
Wildfire officials on Vancouver Island say an out-of-control wildfire burning west of Victoria is expected to grow in the coming days before rain and cooler temperatures can help firefighters gain an upper hand on the blaze.
-
B.C. son rebuilds dad's dream car after original wrecked in crash
Like the objects in a car’s side mirror, this father and son are closer than they appear, thanks to one specific car.
