Swift policy response needed in wake of U.S. travel ban: advocates
OTTAWA — Immigration advocates say Canada should walk away from its refugee protection agreement with the United States in the wake of a decision there to suspend all refugee admissions and restrict immigration from seven specific countries.
It’s one of several ideas being suggested after nearly 72 hours of uncertainty resulting from U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order Friday, an order that groups say requires a more robust response from the Canadian government than social media messages in support of this country’s refugee admissions.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau won plaudits around the world on the weekend when, amid widespread uncertainty about the U.S. plan, he posted a message on Twitter saying Canada would welcome all those fleeing persecution, regardless of faith.
Many interpreted the message to mean Canada was taking new action on refugee resettlement, but when pressed by the NDP Monday on what concrete steps are being taken, Trudeau did not directly answer.