McCallum: Idea to test newcomers is Orwellian

Immigration minister says suggestion from PC hopeful fires anti-immigrant feeling

OTTAWA— A controversial proposal by Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch to screen immigrants for “anti-Canadian” values is “dangerous” and ignores processes that are already in place, Immigration Minister John McCallum says.

In an interview Monday, McCallum defended the status quo, saying the federal government does a good job now of screening immigrants for security concerns and helping them prepare for their new life in Canada.

And he condemned Leitch’s immigration proposal, calling it “Orwellian” and “dog-whistle” politics.

“I think it foments an anti-immigration sentiment which might be dormant but which is brought to the fore and it brings out those who now have a stronger pedestal for spouting anti-immigrant rhetoric,” he said.

Leitch, an Ontario MP in the running to lead the Conservative party, has stirred controversy with her idea that immigrants should be screened for what she says are “anti-Canadian” values.

The proposal has sparked widespread criticism, including some in her own party. Former immigration minister Jason Kenney on the weekend called it an “improvised position.”

“I don’t think she understands the nuance around these issues,” Kenney said, according to a Canadian Press report.

Yet a poll published by the Toronto Star on Saturday showed that twothirds of Canadians want prospective immigrants to be vetted for “anti-Canadian” values.

The idea is especially popular among Conservatives, with 87 per cent backing the idea, according to the poll by Forum Research. Pollster Lorne Bozinoff says that is certainly the reason Leitch floated the idea.

Asked about that poll finding, McCallum said that many Canadians are likely unaware of the existing processes in place to screen potential newcomers and help get immigrants ready to settle in Canada.

“Not every Canadian knows all that, but I think we have a fairly good battery of security screening and also information providing about our country,” McCallum said.

And he noted that those who seek Canadian citizenship are required to pass an exam that tests applicants on their knowledge of the country’s system of government, its history, geography and culture.

The debate comes as the federal Liberals look at whether to open Canada’s doors even wider to immigrants next year.

McCallum’s department has until November to publish its targets for 2017 and indications are that the numbers will be raised to help meet labour demands.

Canada set a target of accepting 300,000 immigrants in 2016.

McCallum said stakeholders he met with during consultations over the summer support bringing in more immigrants “for reasons of labour shortages.”

“But we have not yet come to a decision,” the minister said.

He said Canada has been more welcoming of immigrants than some other countries and highlighted the assistance given to the 25,000 Syrian refugees this year.