Olympic Organizer Must Apologize For Anti-immigrant Comments

 MISSISSAUGA - A key organizer of the opening ceremonies for the Vancouver Olympics, Bruce Allen, must withdraw recent anti-immigrant comments and apologize, said Omar Alghabra, Liberal Citizenship and Immigration critic.

 "Mr. Allen displayed a gross lack of respect and understanding for Canadian values," said Mr. Alghabra. "Not only did he offend new Canadians, but he insulted all Canadians who have a real appreciation for the diversity and richness of our great nation."

 On September 13, Mr. Allen's radio editorial focused on minority immigrant communities and warned them that they should "shut up and fit in," otherwise "we don't need you here. You have another place to go. It's called home. See ya."

 This type of logic creates two tiers of citizenship:  If you are born Canadian then you are allowed to participate in debates that shape the laws and rules of Canada, but if you are a Canadian who was born somewhere else, then you are not allowed to share your perspectives and ideas and are expected to remain silent and abandon your rights. 

Many new Canadians have immigrated or escaped from countries where they were marginalized or discriminated against because of their ethnicity, heritage, religion or race. They have settled in Canada and started a new life, offering tremendous positive contributions to their families, neighbours, co-workers and fellow citizens.

 "I support free speech, but Mr. Allen must recognize that along with free speech come responsibilities," said Mr. Alghabra. "These kinds of generalizations and sensationalistic statements made by someone who is organizing an event which is designed to bring the world together are unacceptable and I fully support the CRTC complaint filed by my colleague Raymond Chan." 

The Liberal Party is the party that introduced the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, enshrining inalienable equal rights for all Canadians regardless of their place of birth, race, religion or gender. The Charter protects all Canadians against different levels of citizenship or rights.