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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Greater understanding needed about importance of new Canadians

There is a lack of understanding of what’s required to move to this country, says letter writer
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To submit a letter to the editor, please e-mail editor@nanaimobulletin.com. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. (The News Bulletin)

To the editor,

Re: Nation needs its borders to be strengthened, Letters, Nov. 29.

I thought long and hard about whether to respond to the letters expressing opinions about illegal migrants coming into Canada and uncontrolled immigration.

In early 2016 my husband and I vacationed in the U.S.A. for a few weeks during the American presidential campaign. I was appalled by the rhetoric of hatred, racism, bigotry and, most of all, by the ignorance of those espousing this. The rise in support of Trump and his nationalism was disturbing. Trump was allowed to spew ignorant statements, distorted facts, misleading information and racism in all of its forms without strong pushback of reality and real facts. There were no serious attempts to educate those listening to this with reality and the benefits of the bigger picture. He gave permission to those to come out from under the rocks to display their ignorance, hatred and insecurities and gave them a platform to say it out loud. We are now all witness to how well this is working out for the Americans. In speaking with friends and family, we felt very proud to be Canadian because we are in no way like the Americans. What was happening regarding Trump and his nationalism would not impact us. I felt very strongly that it would impact us and it has.

It is happening here in my country and my city as demonstrated by the letter writers. There is clearly a lack of understanding of the policies, qualifications, sponsorship and costs required in order to apply for entry into this country, as well as, humanitarian/refugee policies.

To say that there shouldn’t be any refugees and migrants allowed because of homelessness and child abuse speaks to a need to be better informed and educated on the social issues which are quite separate from immigration and refugees.

I would like to see the editor do some articles informing the readers about the pros and cons of immigration, migrants, and refugees into this country. I believe this would be a positive step towards a greater understanding of the importance of new Canadians. It may also bring a better understanding that the social issues of our society can also be addressed without excluding others.

Rabina Phipps, Nanaimo

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Nation needs its borders to be strengthened

To the editor,

Re: Nation needs its borders to be strengthened, Letters, Nov. 29.

Two letters oppose opening our doors to the migrants now at the U.S./Mexico border. They suggest that these migrants will be a burden. In fact, Canadian farmers often must bring workers from these countries to harvest our crops. I expect they will make a big contribution to our economy. When we watch the contribution of refugees in Germany we may have reason to regret that we did not take more refugees ourselves.

One writer fears the loss of Canadian identity. The failure to take refugees would create an identity that I would prefer not to have.

Ken Hiebert, Ladysmith


The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.