Toronto
The Conservative Party will end the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement and close the irregular border crossing at Roxham Road, Lacolle, Quebec, if the party is voted into office in the October general election.
Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Opposition reaffirmed his party’s position today while speaking to party faithful at the Holycrown Event Venue in Toronto.
The event was part of his nationwide tour: My Vision, Immigration – the third of the series.
He said immigration had been positive for Canada. However, under the present government “people believe immigration should be reduced.”
He said there had been backlogs for asylum seekers and legitimate refugees in addition to the ballooning cost of managing the situation at the Canada and the US border. “As Prime Minister my government will restore fairness, order and compassion to the immigration system,” said Andrew Scheer. He noted that the integrity of Canada’s borders is being questioned.
The Leader of the Opposition said newcomers and stakeholders who he talked to during his nationwide consultation all wanted a fix of the immigration system. “They want to know they are safe and Canada is still open to protect those fleeing persecution,” he said.
Andrew Scheer condemned the labeling of those who have a different approach and opinion to immigration as racists and bigots.
He reiterated the Conservative Party has no room for bigotry, racism, intolerance and extremism. The Leader of the Conservative Party said anyone in the party who feels superior to another on the basis of race; religion, gender or sexual orientation should leave.
The Conservative Party would safeguard economic immigration and ensure families and spouses are reunited. If the party wins the general election, it will improve language training to ensure greater proficiency in English, French and the newcomer’s ability to succeed economically and socially.
He promised to improve the process of credential recognition and make it easier for new Canadians with existing skills who meet the standards to apply their trades in Canada.
“We all lose out when doctors and engineers who come to Canada are not able to practice their profession. I want them to come to Canada to do what they were trained to do,” said Andrew Scheer.
Story is being updated.