An elderly British couple is being told they have to leave Canada so they won’t be a burden to the health-care system.

Michael and Janet Hollingsworth moved to New Brunswick in 2007, putting down roots in the community of Havelock after 52 years of marriage and much travelling around.

“We'd been in this house a week and people were knocking on the door with gifts — Welcome to Havelock,” Michael recalled.

“Where else would you get that?”

Each year they obtained visitor’s visas to make their stay legal and, in 2010, they applied to become permanent residents, sponsored by their daughter, who had settled in Saskatchewan.

They frequently checked on the status of their application, and were told it takes time.

But, a year and a half ago, Michael’s kidney’s failed, and the Hollingsworths had to apply for a new visitor’s visa.

“Christmas Eve we received it in the mail, stating that because of his health and everything else they wouldn't grant us a visitor’s visa and we were to leave Canada immediately,” said Janet.

Michael needs dialysis three times a week, and doctors in charge of his care have written letters saying an interruption of his treatment could prove fatal.

Their elected representatives have lobbied for the Hollingsworths as well.

In April, former MLA Sherry Wilson — then the parliamentary secretary for the minister of health — forwarded a letter to the federal government saying the province’s health care budget was in good shape, and that Michael’s treatment would not be a burden on the system.

“It makes you ashamed that they’ve been treated like that in this country,” said their friend Annie Cruickshank.

As they wait for a resolution, the Hollingsworths continue to volunteer in their community.

Michael calls bingo and they’ve both joined the Legion, where they serve meals to veterans.

“They’re Royal Canadian Legion members. They are from our mother country,” said Carol Killam, also a family friend.

Adding to the urgency of the situation is the fact Michael needs a kidney transplant, but he can’t get on the wait list without being granted permanent residency.

“As Mr. Harper said at Christmas in his speech, Canada is a compassionate country,” said Janet.

“So I’d like to see it be a compassionate country.”

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jonathan MacInnis