New Democrat MP, Joe Comartin says he’s shocked and appalled by the treatment Giuseppe Serra’s family received following his death last week while working on the Right Honourable Herb Gray Parkway.
Despite Comartin's efforts, he was unable to get Serra’s Macedonian wife into Canada in time for the service this past Monday.
“There was absolutely no cooperation from the staff in the minister’s office,” he says.
In his 14-years of experience, Comartin says immigration officials often respond favourably in this type of circumstance.
Before his death, Serra tried to get a permanent Canadian visa for his wife, but was denied.
A ministry spokesperson offered condolences to the Serra family in an email to CTV News. However. Sonia Lesage says due to privacy laws the ministry is unable to comment on the specifics of the case.
Essex MP Jeff Watson also offered condolences to Serra’s widow, family and friends following the untimely passing. Watson says he was never contacted by Serra’s wife directly, but through MPP Taras Natyshak’s office. Watson says his office was later told not to pursue the matter.
"Within an hour we were called back and informed by his office not to get involved, it was being handled by other means," Watson says.
He intends to seek an explanation from officials.
At the same time, Comartin says he plans to press forward in getting Serra’s wife a Canadian visa to deal with her husband’s affairs, and is preparing a complaint to the ministry.
