anti-immigrant

Saturday June 1, 2024

Doug Ford's recent remarks blaming immigrants for the shooting at a Jewish school in Toronto, reflects a concerning trend among conservative politicians who use anti-immigrant rhetoric to appeal to certain voters, undermining social cohesion and the values of inclusivity and tolerance.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday June 1, 2024

Doug Ford’s Slip into Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric Undermines Leadership and Unity

August 23, 2023

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent remarks, as reported by Robert Benzie in The Toronto Star, suggesting immigrants are to blame for the shooting at a Jewish school in Toronto, are deeply concerning and indicative of a troubling trend among conservative politicians. By resorting to familiar anti-immigrant rhetoric, Ford not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also undermines efforts to promote unity and inclusivity in Canadian society.

In his comments, Ford implied that immigrants are responsible for bringing “problems from everywhere else in the world” to Ontario and engaging in criminal behaviour. Such language not only scapegoats an entire group but also ignores the diverse backgrounds and experiences of immigrants, who contribute immeasurably to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Canada.

News: Doug Ford slammed for ‘racist’ remarks after suggesting immigrants to blame for shooting at Toronto Jewish school  

March 29, 2023

Ford’s remarks play into a pervasive narrative among conservative politicians, both domestically and internationally, who use anti-immigrant sentiment as a political tool to appeal to certain segments of the electorate. By demonizing immigrants and portraying them as threats to society, these leaders seek to bolster their credentials as defenders of national security and traditional values. However, this approach comes at a significant cost to social cohesion and undermines the fundamental principles of equality and tolerance.

Moreover, Ford’s comments ignore the fact that hate crimes, such as the shooting at the Jewish school, are complex phenomena with multiple underlying factors. Blaming immigrants without evidence not only deflects attention from addressing the root causes of such crimes but also exacerbates divisions within communities and fosters mistrust.

The Canadian dream for immigrants has turned into a harsh reality, prompting growing pressure to reassess immigration policies in the face of economic challenges, housing struggles, healthcare complexities, and cultural clashes.

January 19, 2024

Ford’s subsequent attempts at damage control, including his clarification that there is “more that unites us than divides us,” ring hollow in the face of his initial remarks. While it is commendable that he condemned the attack and expressed support for combating antisemitism, his initial invocation of anti-immigrant rhetoric cannot be easily dismissed or forgotten.

As a leader entrusted with the responsibility of governing a diverse and pluralistic province, Ford has a duty to uphold the values of tolerance, respect, and inclusivity. By slipping into familiar anti-immigrant rhetoric, he not only fails to fulfill this duty but also risks exacerbating divisions and undermining social harmony.

Doug Ford’s recent comments suggesting immigrants are to blame for the shooting at a Jewish school in Toronto are deeply troubling and indicative of a broader trend among conservative politicians. By resorting to anti-immigrant rhetoric, Ford undermines efforts to promote unity and inclusivity in Canadian society. It is imperative that political leaders reject such divisive language and work towards building a society where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and included. (AI)

Thursday February 21, 2019

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday February 21, 2019

Pro-pipeline protestors arrive in Ottawa from Alberta, as political attention remains focused on Quebec

December 13, 2018

A convoy of oil workers arrived in Ottawa on Tuesday to deliver a message to the Liberal government about the province’s desperate need for more pipelines. Perhaps fittingly, however, the government’s focus was instead trained on Alberta’s deepest political foe: Quebec.

The long line of semi-trucks sat idling on Wellington Street in Ottawa, blocking off the street that passes in front of Parliament as part of a protest by United We Roll, a pro-industry group.

The Ottawa rally marked the final destination for the convoy, which started its journey in Alberta four days ago. Semi trucks were hitched to trailers emblazoned with calls to “build the pipeline” and “kill” Bill C-69, the Liberals’ environmental assessment reforms. Bearded men in fluorescent vests exhaled thick clouds into the cold air and yelled for Ottawa to “open your eyes” to industry struggles.

December 20, 2018

But, as if drawing directly from Alberta’s deepest political suspicions, MPs were instead focused on Quebec for much of the day, and the ongoing furor over allegations that the Prime Minister’s Office pressured the attorney general to help Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin avoid prosecution on corruption charges. The minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, has quit cabinet and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s principal secretary has resigned.

Haley Wile, a co-founder of United We Roll, brushed off suggestions that the SNC-Lavalin affair was sucking up political oxygen in Ottawa and distracting media from the rally.

Rally organizers said they plan to ask several cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister’s Office, for meetings to discuss energy policy and Alberta’s pipeline woes. No Liberal MPs attended the rally, though Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier both delivered remarks.

Howdy Doodie Andy Scheer

“I didn’t think Justin Trudeau was going to come down and say ‘Let’s get this pipeline built,’” Wile said.

One bright green placard on Tuesday read: “Hey Trudeau, if SNC was in Alberta would you build us a pipeline?” Another read: “Build pipelines, let Jody speak.”

In a statement on Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s Office said it would not meet with organizers of United We Roll.

“We will always support the right of Canadians to be heard, but it is essential that their message not be co-opted by those who spew racist and divisive language,” it said.

Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi on Tuesday said it was “very unfortunate” that the message from the convoy has “drifted from pipelines to issues that are not relevant to the discussion on pipelines.” (Source: National Post)