Michael Chong calls out "Haters" and "Wannabe Demagogue" politicians in wake of Quebec Mosque shooting

Canada and the US did away with race-based immigration policies, and immigration policies based on national origin or religion, in the 1960s. That's the way it should stay.

Canada is founded on welcoming refugees. From the arrival of United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American revolution to Irish refugees fleeing starvation and the potato famine, from Hungarian and Vietnamese refugees fleeing communism to the Syrian refugees of today, Canada has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees from around the world.

Canada has one of the most robust screening systems in the world for perspective immigrants and refugees. Immigrants are screened for criminality, war crimes, crimes against humanity, terrorism and for health and economic reasons.

During its nearly 10 years in power, the Harper government admitted some three million immigrants and refugees to Canada. Every one of those immigrants and refugees was screened for terrorism and security purposes. That screening remains in place with the new government.

The politicians espousing these policies may do it in a genteel fashion that sounds acceptable, but check out the comments on their social media platforms and you will find cesspools of hate. 

Mr. Harper would not have admitted one of those immigrants and refugees if he felt that they were threat to the safety and security of Canadians. In fact, recent terrorist attacks in Canada have not come from immigrants or refugees, but rather from native-born Canadians.

Proposals to add an additional screen for immigrants based on anti-Canadian values is not a practical solution, and frankly, is playing to fears and prejudices. Demagogues and wannabe demagogues, playing to fears and prejudices, have created the space for hate to grow.

The politicians espousing these policies may do it in a genteel fashion that sounds acceptable, but check out the comments on their social media platforms and you will find cesspools of hate. In fact, one candidate for leadership of the Conservative Party has now been endorsed by two white supremacist organizations.

It's time to say, "enough". Playing footsie with hate is anathema to Canadians values. It is dangerous, it is cynical and we need to root it out.

- Michael Chong