When Did We Stop Being Canadians?
“ We would not have been Canadians if we had turned our backs on them [Ugandan Asian refugees] ” – Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Toronto Star , September 25, 1972 In the wake of another heartbreaking story surrounding a Syrian refugee family denied entry to Canada and their tragic deaths, we are reminded that Canada is no longer on the outskirts of the current refugee crisis. With more than 60 million refugees world wide , a number that surpasses the levels of displacement following the conclusion of the Second World War, the international community is left wondering how things have taken such a dramatic turn in the wrong direction. But, what has been Canada’s response to the conflict in Syria and the droves of refugees it has created? 10,000 refugees over 3 years. The Harper government has applauded themselves for this well publicized and humanitarian endeavour but how does this compare to Canada’s history? What have been our previous responses to gl