It seems we may have misjudged her.
Turns out federal Conservative leadership candidate Kellie Leitch’s proposed Canadian values test for immigrants isn’t a veiled attempt to screen out any particular group based on race or religion.
Nope. Leitch’s plan is clearly designed to protect Canadians from being overrun by foreigners who are – how can I put this politely? Nope, I can’t – stupid.
Imagine sitting before an immigration officer and answering “no” to any of the following questions:
– Are men and women equal, and entitled to equal protection under the law?;
– Is it ever okay to coerce or use violence against an individual or a group who disagrees with your views?; or
– Do you recognize that to have a good life in Canada you will need to work hard for yourself and your family, and that you can’t expect to have things you want given to you?
Anyone who couldn’t figure out that a negative answer is likely to quash their chances of getting in probably wouldn’t have managed to find their way to the airport, dock or train station in order to get here in the first place.
So while Leitch’s pop quiz wouldn’t be of much value in terms of screening potential immigrants (something the Canadian merit-based system is already doing quite effectively according to any normal metrics), it does have some value as a dog whistle to alert certain people Kellie’s on their side.
The last question, in particular, conjures an illogical stereotype of immigrants bluffing their way into Canada in order to take advantage of our social safety net. There’s plenty of statistical and anecdotal evidence to suggest the overwhelming majority of immigrants here are hardworking, honest people, appreciative of the opportunities provided and motivated to make the most of them.
If any further evidence of the narrow base of Leitch’s target audience were needed, one could look to her message delivery system. The questions were revealed in a sponsored email to Rebel Media subscribers.
Guess that’s to make sure she reaches the people who missed her earlier ads on Breitbart News.
Both outlets are purveyors of right wing opinion, often outright fantasy, disguised as News.
For Leitch’s campaign, it appears that amounts to covering the bases.
