Dear Editor:
I am an “old stock” Canadian. The last name is spelt with a small “d” for a reason.
No, not John A. Macdonald but his cousin-brother, J. Sandfield Macdonald, the first premier of Ontario. The distaff side goes back even further and is one of the oldest families in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
Both sides feature what would have been “pure laine” French Canadians except for early mingling of that “stock” with First Nations blood.
So what do I think of the plight of present day refugees? Given that my ancestors came here to escape oppression, religious and political, I’m for welcoming them. My ancestors also came here as “economic migrants,” just looking for better lives, and that’s one of many reasons I’m pro-immigration generally.
And who do I think best represents my principles when it comes to immigration and refugee matters? Why, the Green Party of Canada, of course. One of their core principles is “social justice,” and that requires universal application. As an “old stock” Canadian there’s not much in the mean-spirited policies of the Conservative Party of Canada that I agree with.
I want my Canada back, and I’ll vote Green.
David W.G. Macdonald, Burnaby
