September 4, 2003
Backgrounder
on Ernie Eves’ PC Immigration platform
The Toronto Star published an article today on the PC Immigration Policy, which it has dubbed Eves’ “Fortress Ontario Scheme.” The PCs’ intolerant tone harkens back to Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper’s 2001 proposal to build a “firewall” around Alberta. The following highlights some aspects of the policy that should be brought to your attention.
- Eves’ government would have Ontario set up its own security system to monitor immigrants that seek entrance into the province, “in order to do a better job keeping criminals and terrorists out of Ontario.” How will he fund and staff this system when has already shrunk the number of police officers per capita in Ontario by 8 per cent through his cutbacks. And if he was really serious about getting criminals off the street, Eves should take immediate action on over 10,000 outstanding arrest warrants for dangerous criminals that roam the streets, according to the Provincial Auditor.
- The changes proposed in immigration by Eves’ government are those that are already in place by the current Immigration rules. These include identifying skilled workers before they immigrate to Canada and banning welfare recipients from sponsoring potential immigrants. Both of these are bogus “changes” offered by Eves.
The PC’s view of New Canadians was clear when they grouped their immigration policy in the crime portion of their April platform. This stereotype was reinforced last month when Minister of Public Safety Bob Runciman said that black community leaders have a vested interest in creating animosity with the police.
Contact:
Marie Bountrogianni, MPP
(905) 388-1222
