Dear Editor:
Our planet is facing its most horrific migrant crisis in history.
It is morally indefensible for any nation not to assist in the repatriation of the millions of immigrants and refugees who are now homeless and destitute.
Canada is doing its part in their assimilation.
It is clearly evident that a migrant (or any newcomer) to Canada must have access to a tool that Immigration Minister John McCallum describes as “fundamental to successful immigration:” proficiency in the English language.
Without this tool, an immigrant becomes a second-class citizen, incapable of basic communication, unable to function in his new society, without any hope of becoming employed and ultimately without hope of becoming a Canadian citizen.
Vancouver Community College president Karen Shortt has recently informed a parliamentary committee hearing of the drastic federal funding cuts which have resulted in VCC having to cancel classes for 220 immigrants and refugees. The New Democratic Party MP for Vancouver East Jenny Kwan has repeatedly complained of reduced federal funding.
The media has done an admirable job of keeping us appraised of the totally inadequate financial support and the consequent frustration of many immigrants.
Our federal government is seemingly oblivious to the horrendous predicament of our despairing refugees. Here is an opportunity for Mr. Trudeau not only to rectify a glaring government omission but also to revive national pride and solidify Canada’s reputation as a caring nation.
Barrie Street
North Vancouver
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