In Southern Ontario where politics often appear to demonstrate an inverse relationship to the rest of the country, it?s easy to get caught up in the mythology perpetuated by both Liberals and liberals suggesting that they alone turned on the tap that created the rush of immigrants to Canada; that they are the sole arbiters of all that is good and right about our land and its ability to absorb newcomers to these shores; and that they are the people whose philosophy best guarantees that all who come will be welcomed, treated equally, respected, and encouraged to retain every custom packed away in memory and travel trunk alike.
Recently, the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, John Tory, appointed me party critic for Citizenship and Immigration. This is not of huge significance from a policy perspective because immigration is federally controlled. But it plays a pivotal role in the political landscape of Ontario because this province absorbs about half of the 250,000+ newcomers to Canada every year, most settling in the Greater Toronto Area. It is my job and my pleasure to now be actively involved in a growing number of communities within the grander Toronto landscape and I?ve made some not-so-startling discoveries which must be shared. The primary one is that most immigrants arrive with and maintain the same conservative values that I espouse?they just don?t know it?so, I?ve found my new vocation, spreading the word!
Think about people in other lands considering making Canada their new home. That alone requires self-reliance and courage. And then, actually making the move demands exceptional strength of character, determination, and the love and support of family. For them, failing to make a go of it is not an option. Those are sound precepts that conservatives share. During the recent Progressive Conservative Party convention in London, there were discussions about broadening our base. We believe that most people want less intrusive government, a chance to retain more of what they earn, a strong support system that rewards success, and a well woven net to catch those who occasionally need a hand. Most people prefer avoiding cradle-to-grave care, especially when it is handled poorly by those who believe things only improve when government continually ups the ante and ?solves? problems with never ending taxation.
Statisticians say that the GTA will be a megalopolis of over 10-million people within the next 20 years and that 70% of us will be visible minorities. Think about that! It means we?ll all be visible minorities and that the picture of an average Canadian will be anyone?s photo. It?s time for us to decide to work harder at living together and to unite in prosperity in a province where that?s a tradition threatened by leaders who wring their hands looking to blame anybody else for impending ?have not? status. Success by ingenuity and perseverance is a value typical of new Canadians and a typically conservative one too. It?s time for our shared beliefs in family, responsibility, community concern, success through hard work, and being socially involved to return Ontario to the unstoppable and productive core of Canada that it once was, thanks to many remarkable immigrant builders of years gone by.