Ontario premier won’t apologize after telling immigrants to ‘go somewhere else’ if they want to ‘sit around & do nothing’ — RT World News
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has refused to apologize amid backlash over “demeaning” and “racist” comments about immigrants, having told Canada’s newcomers “go somewhere else” if they plan to “collect the dole and sit around.”
The Premier made these controversial remarks at a Monday press conference where he talked about the “desperate”He also stressed the importance of addressing labor shortages in his province, and that his government is supportive. “hard-working people.”
Ford lamented the insufficiency of skilled workers for infrastructure jobs. He said that he was only aware. “one criteria”Immigrants: You should bring them and “work your tail off”Similar to “every other new Canadian has.”
If you think you’re coming to collect the dole and sit around – not going to happen, go somewhere else. Are you looking for work? You are welcome to come here. We have so much work, we can’t keep up with it right now.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he only wants “hard working” immigrants to come to the province.“If you think you’re coming to collect the dole and sit around — not going to happen.” pic.twitter.com/QzlQSBG2am
— ahmarskhan (@AhmarSKhan) October 18, 2021
Ford estimated that the manpower shortage would be at a “couple 100,000 people”He claimed that his government was “pouring $144 billion into infrastructure works”And “aggressively” reaching out to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal government regarding the issue.
“We need people. I don’t care where they come from around the world,”He repeated it again. “If you’re willing to come and work and pay your taxes and give back to the community, we want you.”
The comments sparked instant backlash, with the province’s opposition parties calling for an apology. Andrea Horwath is the leader of opposition from Ontario’s New Democratic Party. accusedFord is choosing Ford “traffic in demeaning stereotypes about new Ontarians looking to build a better life for their families.”
Ford did not apologize during Tuesday’s legislative Question Period, stating that he was sorry. “pro-immigration”And that he believed that immigration needed to be increased.
A majority of social media users went farther than Horwath. accusingFord “racism,”Many commenters have described his words as “amazing” “dog whistle” to the “far right elements” in his voter base. Some people even called forHe resigned when others called him to it “voted out”The provincial election is scheduled for 2022.
Doug Ford’s comments about immigrants are a racist dog whistle. No matter your status, there is nothing wrong with government support. If he’s worried about the ‘dole’ he can start w/ the large corporations he helped profit off emergency COVID funds. #onpoli
— Jihan Abbas, PhD (@JihanAbbas) October 18, 2021
The premier should insult immigrants and treat them as second-class citizens in order to draw them here. Look at how this government treated frontline workers like warehouse workers and seasonal workers during the pandemic. #VoteFordOut2022
— alexis (@piptal) October 19, 2021
Some defendedPremiere means having spoken “nothing wrong”He suggested that the problem be addressed “blown out of proportion.”
One saidIf people were not receiving welfare, taxpayer funds weren’t meant to support them. “looking for a job or contributing to society.”
I don’t think he meant it the wrong way, ppl are just blowing it out of proportion.I think he meant that we all need to work together to build this province/country.Don’t think he meant that those elderly and anyone unable to work who migrate with or for family has to work
— Kris (@Kris_lings) October 19, 2021
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