Sanctuary cities should be defined

I believe Canadians are generally fair and law-abiding citizens. In principle, I applaud Canadian cities that are considering to declare themselves sanctuary cities. However, before that happens we need to define what that means.

If it means that we will allow people to come to Canada illegally and protect them while they access our regular social services and health care illegally I do not support this. I consider that fraud. In the United States health-care services are obtainable by paying cash for them, which I understand to be different here.

If it means that we will protect people who have come to Canada illegally while they get their application for refugee status or to immigrate into the system ruled on, then I wholly support this. The current system would then determine their eligibility to access our social services and health care.

Although most of us come from immigrant stock the difference is that most of our grandparents, etc. came to the country legally. I do not believe anyone should have to live under the threat of being deported just because they got into Canada illegally, provided they work toward becoming legal and wait for the immigration system to determine their status. It is clear to me that people who want to be productive citizens should get that opportunity if they qualify.

I have not mentioned what happens if people commit a crime before they attempt to become legal, because our legal system will deal with that. I hear about what is happening in the United States regarding this issue and I would be ashamed if we followed their lead. A common-sense fair solution to this issue is what we need. Gary Crawford, Saskatoon