Blame Law Enforcement not Multiculturalism

To correlate terrorism with lax Canadian immigration policies is naïve and a tactic to deflect blame onto outsiders. If one takes a careful look at Canadian immigration policies since the 1990’s one can see how the criteria has progressively become more stringent since the advent of multiculturalism during the Trudeau years. The points system has also subsequently adopted a tougher line throughout the years effectively rooting out immigrants who are deemed unable to contribute to the Canadian economy and society in general. The changes have already taken place.

Furthermore, the contention that certain fringe elements have the power to silence a majority is absurd. Any terrorist organization regardless of what it is works in isolation and secrecy without the knowledge of the mainstream. Irshad Manji’s so-called “non-interference” pact theory which states that mainstream elements have become apathetic due to fear of extremists, is part of an effort to bank on the current climate of Islamophobia that is popular amongst fear-inducing conservative commentators. Are we supposed to believe that the moderate majority is afraid of the fringe minority? Does the majority white population in Canada feel threatened by the Ku Klux Klan? Do the traditional conservative Christians in the US fear the neoconservatives? Were the majority of French Canadians afraid of the FLQ during the October Crisis? If anything, these majority groups speak out in order to disassociate themselves from their respective fringe elements.

To claim that the immigration policy was changed only to garner votes is flawed to say the least. Immigration is crucial for population growth, a diverse workforce, and to stimulate the economy. Altruism only goes so far, the state realizes that the benefits of immigration are mutual.

If blame must be placed, it should be directed at the law enforcement authorities and the borderline pathetic Canadian judicial system that is unable to prevent potential terrorist actions. Attacking this cornerstone of Canadian identity while engendering nativist tendencies is simply not the answer.