Canada news briefs: Ecclesiastical Province of Canada

Family leaves church

A Chilean family claiming refugee status has finally left the sanctuary of Christ Church Anglican Church in St. Stephen, N.B., after a year.

The Hurtados took refuge in the church after their claim was denied by Canadian immigration and they were ordered deported. A church and community support group, who felt the family had not had competent legal advice, hired a top immigration lawyer and lobbied Canadian immigration for another hearing.

The Hurtados were told to leave Canada in July for 90 days and to reapply at the Canadian border for refugee status. They have no guarantees it will be granted but the family is hopeful since it now has expert legal presentation.

Elias and Marcela Hurtado and their children, Eilyn, 11, and Erick, 7, lived in the church hall for more than a year.

New Brunswick Anglican