Editor: While I to believe in the necessity of immigrants, in particular refuges, I have some concerns regarding the shift in our rush to allow anyone in the county that can be classified as a refugee, some seeking safe haven anywhere it is presented.
In the past 120 years, immigration was solicited from countries that could contribute to the makeup of Canada, the Italians who came built what is now Toronto, the Greeks added their unique skills to the country’s needs.
In my birthplace of Winnipeg the displaced peoples from the ruins of the Second World War helped build the city from a sleepy prairie town to a centre of business and agriculture.
As to Ms. Goodyear’s contention of expending upwards of $40,000 per year per family on the latest influx — it is a stunning statement.
That $40,000 is my tax dollars, monies that are desperately needed for Canadians in dire need.
We need to get our house in order before taking on any more problems. My father landed in Canada in 1903 as a baby, went to work at the age of 14 for the CNR and worked until 72.
I started work in 1955 and consider myself retired this year. Neither my parents nor I ever asked my government to help me and mine.
I have no doubt there is validity in Ms. Goodyear’s statement that refuges will become contributing members of society, I only questions as what. We do not make homes out of bricks made from sand, we do have some cottage industries making pots and copper items.
I worked in Yemen and in my trips outside of Aden saw no evidence of enterprise, the local peoples had very few skills applicable to the needs of Canada. Same for Syrians.
Training will take more of my tax money — again, something that should be offered to our current unemployed peoples.
Terry Brenan,
Aldergrove