Conservative MPs stoke distrust

Re: ‘Values’ proposal helps Leitch in campaign, Sept. 13

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” — Exodus 23:2, King James Version

As an immigrant to Canada, I find disturbing the proposal by an MP of a leading Canadian political party to screen immigrants for “un-Canadian” values. Politicians are not bringing this dying breed of argument to the mainstream discourse because suddenly the country is under imminent existential threat. Why should we entertain the twisted opinion of these megaphones for a bigoted cause whose single aim is to sow seeds of mistrust among the population? The vast majority of immigrants do not bring violent crime and are not “anti-Canadian.” Many of them are fleeing for their lives or looking for economic opportunities to sustain their families.

If the debate is about terrorism, we should combat homegrown terrorism — which is a real threat — by ensuring that the youth in minority communities get access to proper education and equal opportunities.

If our concern is the import of outdated cultural practices, we should have strict laws in place that discourage and deal with such relics of tribal mentality. We should have the courage of telling right from wrong, but let’s not fall into the trap of a political ploy that aims to stoke distrust and fear. Asad Jan, Vancouver

Who does Kellie Leitch think she is to dictate her set of values to all Canadians and to newcomers to Canada? Must all Canadians be pro-abortion and pro-same-sex marriage? What about Canadians’ constitutional right to the freedom of conscience and expression? Bozenna Siedlecka, Port Moody