"NO!" To Bill C-50 - Why This Anti-Immigrant Conservative Gov't MUST Be Defeated!

We always knew the "new" Conservatives were non-progressive xenophobes. Well, now we see it in Bill C-50. The Measures undertaken by the bill will help this "new" government select the immigrants they want. We already know the differential treatment immigrants from Asia (particularly South Asia) and Africa face in the immigration process - when compared to immigrants from more "Northern" areas... C-50 will hope to quash large numbers of new immigrants from South Asia. As a restaurant owner, I find it particularly disturbing that this government of economic rejects thinks we can "make do" with Canadian-born workers. Ever try to keep a Canadian-born restaurant worker - even with a solid salary? Not happening. We have relied on immigrant labor - in particular from South and East Asia - for a long time. South Asia graduates large numbers of "Hotel Management" and food services trainees... who become exception restaurant staff.

Let's keep this short and sweet. Where should Liberals stand on this? That's a "no-brainer". Immigrant Canadians and their Canadian-born children are a core part of Liberal support across this country. The new Conservative attack on immigration is an affront to every one of those Canadians.

The Liberal Party sorely needs to maintain ridings in major urban centers AND the 905 belt around Metro Toronto. The groups that are going to help us hold, or grow seats in those areas, are "ethnic" Canadians.

We can appeal to one of our core constituencies here, since the Conservative threat IS REAL, and is xenophobic legislation aimed at minorities. For our party to sit on it's hands now, is to be hypocrites. We've already lost one long-standing group of supporters (Federalist Quebecers), let's not lose another core group of supporters. Losing "traditional" votes like this may have a longer effect than the "next election". Brian Mulroney was able to successfully "curry favor" if you will, with several ethnic groups, and Team Chretien had to work hard to win that support back. Let's ensure Team Liberal today understands the breadth and scope of the potential fallout here. There are certain policy and ideological differences that help new Canadians and minorities distinguish between us and the Conservatives. We will hurt ourselves if we allow a blurring of that line...

I implore my Liberal MPs and friends. Time to vote "nay" to Bill C-50. For the sake of our party.