The landing of the two ships prompted a tough response from the Canadian government. The so-called boat arrivals were arrested and put into prison before starting a screening process to determine who could claim refugee status in Canada. Vic Toews, minister of public safety at the time, repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by criminals and terrorists entering Canada by sea and abusing its refugee system. On the other side were refugee advocates who condemned the negative portrayal of the potential refugees. Critics like Peter Showler, director of the refugee forum spoke of a ludicrous contrast between the extreme reaction and the actuality of the number of claimants coming in pointing out that in 2010, more refugee claimants from Sri Lanka entered Canada through Vancouver airport than the ones who entered by boat. A very public debate unfolded in Canada. It is a debate that goes right into the heart of the countrys identity as a nation of immigrants: Is Canada closing its borders not just to Tamils but to refugees in need of protection?
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:38:20 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015