North York woman has terminal cancer

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A terminally ill North York nanny had her dying wish fulfilled when she was granted permission to apply for permanent Canadian residency July 17.

With her husband and immigration lawyers by her side, Juana Tejada thanked the federal government for giving her the chance to stay in the country she has called home since 2003.

"I want to thank Prime Minister Stephen Harper for granting my wish of permanent residency here in Canada," Tejada told a news conference at the office of Mamann and Associates downtown, one day after receiving the news.

"This is very, very grateful to me and my husband and family. This is my wish to give a better future to my family. This decision really have big impact on my health and makes me fight more powerful to overcome this type of illness I have."

The 39-year-old Filipina came to Canada in 2003 under the live-in caregiver program, which grants permanent residence status to domestic workers after they complete their three-year assignments and obtain the necessary medical and criminal record clearances.

Tejada met the program conditions and had applied for permanent residence when her final medical found stage four colon cancer. Tejada's application was rejected by Citizenship and Immigration Canada because of concerns over medical costs. She was granted temporary residence that expired in December.

"I'm asking the government to change some regulations in the caregiver program so they don't experience what I've been through," she said.

Tejada's husband, Noli Azada, thanked the federal government and supporters.

"Thank you for your undying help and support," he said through a translator. "Thank you for giving us an opportunity to start a new life in Canada."

Rafael Fabregas, who represents Tejada, said his client worked hard to earn her permanent residency eligibility.

Her immigration application had been rejected twice because she has terminal cancer, which has spread to her lungs, Fabregas said, adding Tejada was given 18 to 24 months to live in March 2007.

Tejada, who worked for two Toronto families, is living with a cousin in the Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue area.

Guidy Mamann, of Mamann and Associates, said the process hasn't been easy for Tejada.

"Tragically she discovered she was ill and was disentitled to the care that we owe her," he said. "This is not the first time a woman who came to Canada to look after our elderly and children was rewarded with removal from Canada."

Mamann said nannies should be granted permanent residence if they pass the first medical exam.

- with files from Tamara Shephard