EDMONTON — A Filipino woman who was employed as a temporary foreign worker in Edmonton when she was paralyzed and ordered deported doesn't have to leave after all.
Vicky Venancio has been granted a two-year work permit by the federal government, which gives her the legal status to remain in Canada.
Venancio was knocked off her bike three years ago by a truck while she was riding to her job at a fast-food restaurant.
She could no longer work, so her visa was not renewed and she no longer qualified for health care.
The federal government ordered her deported in February.
Venancio had been pleading her case, most recently with Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman, and has received word that she is being allowed to stay.
Edmonton MP Tim Uppal told Venancio on Friday night that federal Immigration Minister Chris Alexander had granted her the permit.
"I am very happy to receive this wonderful news," Venancio said in a release. "This is like a dream. It is such a big step for me.
"I will be able to sleep now at night without having to worry about deportation. I am so thankful to all the people who have supported me and fought for me."
