Premier Doug Ford's Stand on Community Safety: A Necessary Stance for Ontario?
Brian Sankarsingh wonders aloud about Premier Doug Ford statement about immigrants to blame for shooting at Jewish school
"That's unacceptable. I have an idea: before you plan on moving to Canada, do not come if you're going to terrorize neighborhoods like this. It's as simple as that. You want to be a resident of Ontario? You get along with everyone," he asserted.
This stance, though controversial to some, underscores a fundamental principle crucial to the well-being of any community: the importance of safety, respect, and harmony among residents. I have been known to speak out against Doug Ford when I feel his rhetoric has gone too far – especially when it comes to matters of immigration. As Premier of Canada’s most multicultural and ethnically diverse province, he has a duty to ensure that he speaks for all people in this province – and that includes immigrants. I could not, in good conscience therefore, not respond to this recent statement.
I agree that at the heart of Ford's statement is the unwavering commitment to ensuring that Ontario remains a safe and welcoming place for all its residents. Community safety is a paramount concern, and any actions that threaten this safety must be addressed decisively. I am positive that there are very few Canadians that would think otherwise of this. In his remarks Ford highlights what he believes to be an essential criterion for anyone considering making Ontario their home: a commitment to mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
This is not merely a desirable attribute but a necessity for the thriving of any diverse society. Ontario's strength lies in its diversity, and this diversity flourishes when individuals from diverse backgrounds live together harmoniously, respecting each other’s differences while embracing shared values of decency and civility. The repercussions of disruptive and terrorizing behavior in neighborhoods extend far beyond the immediate victims. Such actions can create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust, eroding the social fabric that binds communities together. This is particularly detrimental in a multicultural society like Ontario, where fostering trust and understanding among different cultural groups is crucial. By taking a firm stand against such behavior, Ford is reinforcing the principle that the right to live in Ontario comes with the responsibility to contribute positively to the community.
Ontario has a well-earned reputation for being a safe and inclusive place to live, work, and raise a family. This reputation is one of the reasons why so many people from around the world choose to move here. In his statement Premier Ford delivers a reminder that preserving the province’s welcoming nature requires a collective effort.
The problem was that – without evidence – he stated that immigrants perpetrated this violence. This could mean one of two things:
Premier Ford knows the perpetrators – and should then let the police know or
Premier Ford does not know the perpetrators, but assumes that they are “immigrants.”
This harkens back to his statement in 2021 about immigrants coming here to live off the government. He provided no proof, but the statement was enough to get his base riled up. So, it is absolutely expected that there are people who will categorically state that Ford’s statement is not an indictment of all newcomers but a call to those few whose actions do not align with the values of peace and respect that Ontario stands for. They will probably say that the vast majority of immigrants contribute significantly to the province's cultural richness and economic prosperity and that by addressing the minority that may cause harm, Ford is working to protect the integrity and safety of the whole community. His supporters will say that his statement serves as a clear signal that while Ontario is open and inclusive, there is zero tolerance for behavior that undermines the peace and security of its neighborhoods.
But immigrants - especially People of Colour - know how these types of statements are generally received, and we also know the backlash.
They divide us.
Immigrants versus Canadians.
The sentiment of maintaining safe and harmonious communities is understandable but the statement itself is problematic on multiple fronts. Primarily, Ford’s comment risks painting immigrants with a broad brush and ignores the fact that it is impossible to determine a Canadian by the colour of their skin.
This generalization is not only unfair but also unfounded. Our society knows that the vast majority of immigrants come to Canada seeking better opportunities, peace, and a chance to contribute positively to society. That’s why we support immigration. However, by suggesting that potential immigrants could be a threat, Ford’s statement fosters an atmosphere of suspicion and fear, which is detrimental to the social fabric of Ontario.
What happens if it is discovered that the perpetrators are not religiously motivated? What happens if this incident was not related to the Jewish\Palestinian conflict? Will the Premier apologize to Canadian immigrants? Will anyone - besides immigrants - care if he did?
Furthermore, the idea that one must "get along with everyone" to be a resident of Ontario is an unrealistic and overly simplistic expectation. Conflicts and disagreements are natural in any diverse society. What is crucial is not the absence of conflict, but the mechanisms through which conflicts are resolved. Encouraging dialogue, understanding, and mediation are far more productive approaches than setting an unrealistic bar for perfect harmony.
But Premier Ford’s rhetoric risks alienating and stigmatizing immigrant communities. Such statements can lead to increased xenophobia and racism, as they reinforce negative stereotypes about immigrants. This, in turn, can make it more difficult for immigrants to integrate and feel accepted in their new communities, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion and marginalization.
Effective integration policies should focus on support systems that help newcomers adapt and thrive, such as language training, employment assistance, and community-building programs. By implying that potential issues with certain individuals should deter immigration altogether, Ford’s statement undermines these critical efforts. His assertion oversimplifies the responsibilities of both immigrants and the host society. Integration is a two-way street, requiring efforts from both newcomers and established residents. It's not solely about immigrants fitting in but also about the host society being welcoming and inclusive.
Community safety and harmony are best achieved through collaborative efforts and mutual understanding, not through exclusionary rhetoric. Ontario, and Canada as a whole, should strive to be a place where newcomers are welcomed and supported, where diversity is celebrated, and where conflicts are addressed through understanding and cooperation. This begins with our leaders and the language they use when they address ALL their constituents.
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
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