Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday November 16, 2016
Conservative contender Kellie Leitch: ‘I am not a racist’
Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch says her enthusiasm for Donald Trump does not make her a racist.
During an exchange on CTV’s Question Period, rival candidate Michael Chong suggested Leitch was importing the divisive style practised by the U.S. president-elect.
Leitch proposes screening newcomers for Canadian values, and says she shares some ideas with Trump on immigration.
“I am not a racist,” Leitch said during the CTV segment aired Sunday. “I am not a person who’s out groping other individuals. I do not do those things and I don’t think that the Canadians who support the ideas I’m talking about do those types of things.”
The exchange comes as candidates for party chief prepare to debate today at a conference centre just south of Ottawa.
They sparred earlier this week in Saskatoon over immigration, carbon pricing and the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.
Twelve people are running to be the next Conservative leader, who will be chosen in May.
Leitch has attracted headlines — and some barbs from other leadership contenders — for her immigration screening proposal, which she has yet to flesh out. She denies endorsing the controversial Trump. (Source: Toronto Star)