The organization “Hire a Refugee” has highlighted the rise in racism and racist discrimination which
has been occurring toward refugees in Manitoba.
This sends a message that is incongruent with the diversity and
multicultural beliefs held by the majority of Canadians and specifically
Manitobans, so I am writing this blog to raise awareness about this situation.
1) As a result of refugees we now have more
opportunities for jobs in Manitoba, because refugees like all of us need food,
clothing, housing and education. All of these add to the economic growth that
is needed in our province and adds job opportunities. To look at it another way, if there had been
no immigrants to Manitoba over the last 150 years, we would have a much smaller
population and significantly fewer jobs!
2) It is important to understand that the refugees
we are receiving from Syria, Iraq and many other countries have often spent
many years in a refugee camp. They have
often lost friends and family to violence and horrific circumstances including
car bombs. Many have been at the front
lines in fighting terrorism and terrorist groups like ISIS and have suffered as
a result. The refugees are coming to
Manitoba to work hard and to participate in our Canadian society. Yes, many need help, but they are also people
who will make a very positive contribution to our society and will help efforts
to decrease terrorism and to build a stronger more diverse Manitoba.
The web site “Hire a Refugee” has been receiving negative messages
including the following. (My apologies for the profanity, but I feel it is
necessary to demonstrate verbatim the level of hate that is being spread by
these racists.)
- WTF why
only refugees were here don't need no MF taking over jobs" - N****
T*******
- How bout
hire a canadian or fck off," -D*** W**** E****
- I have dog
shit to be cleaned it pays what you take" -D***** D******
- “F*** the
Refugees”
- “F*** them”
- “F*** you”
These comments
are defamatory and inappropriate. I have
written to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and to the Honourable Heather
Stefanson, the Minister of Justice in Manitoba to investigate this situation
and to ask them to act to address it. I also see we need to take a broader view
and look at our city, encouraging awareness and supporting the efforts to
have Winnipeg designated a Human Rights City, and our province Manitoba
becoming a Human Rights Province where understanding of others and empathy
towards others is chief among our values.
It is important to recognize that many Manitobans
who are not refugees are struggling to find work. For example, more must be done to help those
who are 50 to 65 who are looking for work as many, even when well qualified,
are having difficulty finding a decent job in an environment rife with cutbacks. The efforts to find employment can be broadened
and Hire a Refugee has indicated that while they are primarily focused on
helping refugees, they are also ready to help others. Let us work together to find solid solutions
for all who want to work in Manitoba.
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