Bill Gates says Trudeau’s approach to immigration, refugees good for business
VANCOUVER — Canada’s open approach to immigration and its willingness to welcome tens of thousands of Syrian refugees is an “enlightened” move that will benefit the country’s business sector, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says.
The business leader and philanthropist was in Vancouver on Tuesday to speak at the Emerging Cascadia Innovation Conference, aimed at strengthening the technology and business ties between British Columbia and Washington state.
“I think Canada’s very well positioned. It’s got good, strong universities, good policies — certainly more enlightened immigration policies than most countries have, which is a real asset,” said Gates, who is listed by the American business magazine Forbes as the richest man in the world with a US$81-billion net worth.
Gates commended Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his role in helping people fleeing conflict in the Middle East.