Canadians must defend immigrants and refugees

By Letter to the Editor on February 2, 2019.

Recent yellow-vested protesters have been seen in small pockets across the country.

Along with the federal carbon tax, one of the key talking points of this group is a non-binding United Nations agreement, which is being used as a dog whistle to spread conspiracy theories and stoke fear about immigration.

In Swift Current, Mayor Denis Perrault has been honking and waving at weekly yellow vest protests in front of city hall. According to the local radio station, Mayor Perrault’s intentions were more friendly, rather than political.

Instead of honking his horn in tacit support, we need leadership that provides a passionate defence of immigration, multiculturalism and the value of newcomers.

Lest we forget that the Ku Klux Klan settled in Saskatchewan in 1926 and gained momentum by 1927 with upwards of 25,000 members, blaming Roman Catholics and immigrants for society’s problems.

The same blame game is happening today, while ignoring the fact that Saskatchewan has the lowest minimum wage in the country and among the worst plans for the environment.

It’s time for leaders and the people of Canada to speak up for refugees, immigrants and defend human decency.

Joseph Donnelly

Herbert, Sask.

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